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The price of victory is usually death — the death of the enemy and other casualties on the "winning" side. For example, the price of Jephthah's victory was the death of his daughter and of his enemies the Ammonites. Likewise, the price of Jesus' victory on the cross was His own death. However, His victory was victory over death. Therefore, physical death need no longer be the price of victory. "Death is swallowed up in victory" (1 Cor 15:54). Today we celebrate the Queenship of Mary. The circumstances surrounding Mary's death manifest Jesus' victory over death. At death, Mary's body did not decay in the grave but was assumed into heaven where she was crowned the Queen of heaven and earth. If we live lives committed to Jesus, we too will be victorious at the time of our death. The day of our death will be the happiest day of our lives, for we shall see Jesus face to face (1 Cor 13:12). We will begin our last day on earth amid the pain, suffering, and temptations of this world and end that day in the perfect happiness of heaven. "Thanks be to God Who has given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor 15:57). |