A Rod of Iron
The apostle Paul writes of Christ’s ascension into heaven: “Having disarmed principalities and powers, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:15, NKJV).
That’s right! Staggering behind our Lord’s triumphant procession was the prince of darkness himself, bound in chains. Behind the defeated devil, underneath the wheels of the heavenly hosts, were all the powers of darkness, bound and vanquished. They were being put to an open shame before all those who had died in faith.
“He shall rule them with a rod of iron; they shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’— as I also have received from my Father” (Revelation 2:27).
Jesus entered the gates carrying in his hand a scepter of righteousness, his “rod of iron” with which he rules all nations. After his triumphant entrance, he took his rightful place on the throne in full possession of all power, authority and dominion.
What a glorious picture! Satan is not in control. Communism is not in control. Atheism is not in control. No, the enemies of Christ exist only by his permission. Right now, they only continue to fill up their cups of iniquity. Jesus is in control of all things, and one day, when he is ready, he will “break them with a rod of iron; you [he] shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel” (Psalm 2:9).
Beloved, our understanding of Christ’s victory over Satan and the dominion of sin cannot be a vague or confused theology. We must know and understand that Satan is totally defeated. He cannot hold us prisoner, and Christ has freed us by his blood from every bondage.
Today, he sits on his throne with all power and authority, offering us peace, joy and freedom. “Blessed are all those who put their trust in him” (Psalm 2:12).
