Victory Through Death

A few years back I had the privilege of visiting the historical location of the Alamo in Texas, a place where out-gunned and under-manned Americans took a brave stand in the face of Santa Anna during Texas' war for independence.  Davy Crockett and James Bowie were numbered among the men who held their ground with Colonel William Travis, a God-fearing man whose name I share.  During the siege  in 1836 Colonel Travis wrote a famous letter in which he signed off, "Victory or death."  In the post script he said, "The LORD is on our side," a testimony that he fixed his eyes on God beyond the reach of troops or cannon fire.  It sounds like Colonel Travis trusted God to provide for he and his men in this life and for his soul in the next should the fort fall, which it ultimately did.

In the battle to hold the Alamo there were only two options:  victory over the attackers, or death of the men who valiantly aimed to hold it.  What is remarkable is how a third option rose out of the ashes of defeat, for the courage and bravery those displayed to hold the Alamo became a rallying cry taken up by Texans in the fight for independence from Mexico:  "Remember the Alamo!"  A place marked by defeat and death became a symbol of courage to fight the good fight and to demonstrate the fortitude of those brave souls who gave their all for a worthy cause.

When Jesus went to Calvary, He demonstrated the miraculous ability to secure victory through death.  He did not fight to save His life but laid it down as a atoning sacrifice for sinners so all who trust in Him can have eternal life.  In dying and rising from the grave Jesus defeated death as Paul affirmed in 1 Corinthians 15:55-58, "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" ⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. ⁵⁷ But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁵⁸ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."  Observing the LORD's Supper is a fitting way to remember the price Jesus paid, the victory accomplished and to proclaim His death until He comes as a Saviour, Judge and King.

"Remember the Alamo!" was a rallying cry to fight courageously, and remembering Christ's victory through death fills us with gratitude and thanksgiving as we rest in the victory afforded us by Jesus.  Looking to Jesus keeps us from being weary and discouraged in our souls.  Let us thank God as we are steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, knowing our labour and sacrifices will not be in vain because Jesus has already secured victory through death.