Death, Where Is Your Victory? (Those Who Dream Part 2)
Death, Where Is Your Victory?
Easter is the ultimate declaration that no matter what we face—sin, shame, fear, despair, or even death itself—God can make all things new. The resurrection of Jesus isn’t just a past event to remember; it is a present and future hope that invites us to live with expectation, restoration, and joy.
No Other Name
“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
— Acts 4:12 (ESV)
The name of Jesus is powerful. It is the only name that can truly save. And the biblical word for “saved” encompasses more than just forgiveness—it means to be rescued, healed, and delivered. Whatever brokenness or bondage you bring into this moment, Jesus has the power to make you whole. The empty tomb means that anything is possible.
The Power of New
From a “new covenant” to “new creation,” the New Testament overflows with this theme. Through Jesus, we have access to:
A new way of the Spirit (Romans 7:6)
A new self (Ephesians 4:24)
Newness of life (Romans 6:4)
A new name, a new song, and ultimately a new heaven and earth (Revelation 21:5)
God doesn’t just offer us a cleaned-up version of our old life. He offers total renovation—a new heart, a new mind, a new future.
Restoration Sparks Dreams
“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy.”
— Psalm 126:1–2 (ESV)
As we begin to taste God’s restoration in our lives, dreams are reborn. Where despair once reigned, hope begins to rise. Where there was silence, joy returns. We are in a season where God is inviting us to dream again. But dreaming is only possible when we believe that the resurrection still has the final word.
A Resurrection People
Matthew 27 and 28 take us through the heartbreak of the crucifixion, the silence of Saturday, and the shock of Sunday. Jesus was buried in a sealed and guarded tomb. His followers were traumatized and confused. But resurrection morning changed everything.
“He is not here, for He has risen, as He said.”
— Matthew 28:6 (ESV)
That phrase—“as He said”—is vital. Everything Jesus promised came true. And just like those first disciples, we are invited to believe not based on what we can see, but on what He has said. Faith trusts His word, even in the silence of Saturday.
The resurrection is not a metaphor. Jesus physically rose from the grave. Over 500 people saw Him alive afterward (1 Corinthians 15). This is the cornerstone of our faith. If the resurrection isn’t true, our faith is in vain. But if it is true, then everything is different.
The Victory of the Cross
“Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
— 1 Corinthians 15:54–55 (ESV)
Through Jesus, death has been defeated. But His victory doesn’t stop there. Whatever you’re facing today—fear, depression, addiction, brokenness—you can fill in the blank:
______, where is your victory?
If death couldn’t defeat Jesus, then nothing else can either. You can declare over your life: Anxiety, where is your victory? Shame, where is your victory? Hopelessness, where is your victory? Because Jesus swallowed it all. This is the power of Easter.
Our Great Commission
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”
— Matthew 28:18–19 (ESV)
The resurrection not only gives us new life—it gives us a new mission. This is the dream of God’s heart: that His victory would be shared, that we would carry His hope into the world. If you’re searching for purpose, look no further. The Great Commission is your great calling.
Let’s not keep the victory to ourselves. Let’s carry it. Let’s share it. Let’s make disciples. Let’s build His kingdom in Salt Lake City and beyond.
Reflection Questions
What area of your life feels like a sealed tomb—something that feels too far gone?
What “blank” can you fill in with Jesus’s resurrection power? (e.g., “Fear, where is your victory?”)
How can you participate in God’s dream by making disciples and spreading the message of hope?