The Ticker Tape Parade

2 Corinthians 2:14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ

When I was little I would get up early on New Year’s Day and watch the Rose Parade. I also remember watch the Macy’s Parade on Thanksgiving and watching those large inflatable balloon characters like Under Dog. There was also the Santa Claus Lane Parade which always ended with Santa waving to the kids. You knew Christmas was just around the corner.

I also remember times of national pride when individuals that had accomplished greatness were celebrated in a ticker tape parade in New York. When the crew from Apollo 11 returned from the first moon walk there was a ticker tape parade. It was as if they had returned from battle victorious.

Paul uses the idea of a victory parade in 2 Corinthians 2:14. I am sure it was common in Paul’s day, and because of his travels throughout the kingdom of Rome, to see or hear about the return of the victorious Roman armies. Leading the entry would be the commanders or generals of the army followed by their supporters. Behind the leaders would be the spoils taken from the fallen cities followed by the fallen king or ruler of the land conquered. If there were a stock market and sky scrappers there would have been a ticker tape parade.

As we battle to do life we discover that we are weak. We attempt to live lives separated from God and make it on our own. We also discover that because of our weaknesses we are sinful. Left to our own devices we would lose the battle, we need someone to save us. Christ wins that battle and we willingly surrender and become His slaves. And as Christ leads in the triumphal parade in His Kingdom we become the spoils of that victory.

Romans 6:22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.