12th-18th May 2025
As VE Day has passed on the 8th of May, we often can reflect on war, peace and victory. War is an ever pressing issue that is all too often right in our faces, through the news, social media and daily conversations. We hear the stories of struggling families in Ukraine, the Middle East and now in India and Pakistan. After some time we can lose sight of the hope we have. However, what about victory?
We can see the evidence today of the postwar peace, the unions that were created for peacekeeping, the trade opportunities and ease of travel. But even that can be clouded by things such as Brexit changes, tariffs and all sorts of seemingly troubling news.
But what is our focus? Not in the wars of past or present, not of the victories of past or present or even the defeats. We focus on the ultimate victory - the victory won at Calvary 2000 years ago. What was this victory, who was the enemy? How was the battle won? What is the future hope of peace that we hold onto so dearly?
I invite you this week to reflect upon these glorious truths and hope that we find in scripture about the ultimate victory over sin and death.
This victory was not won with weapons or political power, but through the willing sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. At Calvary, Jesus bore the weight of our sin, took the punishment we deserved and died in our place. But death did not hold Him. Three days later, He rose again, defeating sin, Satan and the grave once and for all.
The enemy was not a foreign power or a political regime. It was the sin that separates us from God, the death that hangs over all humanity and the devil who accuses and deceives. Yet, in Christ’s death and resurrection, the victory is complete. The battle is won.
Because of this, we are offered true peace, peace with God through faith in Jesus and peace within, knowing our future is secure. This peace is not dependent on world events, changing governments or international/national stability, but on the unshakable truth that Jesus reigns and one day He will return to make all things new.
So as we reflect on earthly victories and the cost of war, may we look even more intently to the cross and the empty tomb. For, in Christ, we find the victory that never fades, the peace that surpasses all understanding and the hope that endures forever.
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more… Behold, I am making all things new.” Revelation 21:4–5
Let that be our anchor, our joy and our hope that fills our mind and hearts this coming week.
Written by James Montgomery
MONDAY
“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
1 Corinthians 15:56-58
Lord, we thank You for the eternal victory won through Jesus’ death and resurrection. In a world where peace is fragile, we praise You for a salvation that cannot be shaken. Let our hearts overflow with gratitude as we remember Your mercy and grace. Help us live today in light of Your triumph, giving thanks in all things. Amen.
TUESDAY
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
John 14:27
Gracious Father, when the world feels heavy and uncertain, we cling to the peace only You provide. Let Your calming presence steady us in our anxiety. Guard our hearts from fear and fill us with the peace of Christ that surpasses understanding. Remind us that Your Son has overcome the world and brings true, lasting peace. Amen.
WEDNESDAY
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
Colossians 3:2-4
Lord, in a world filled with noise and distraction, help us focus on what truly matters - Your Kingdom. Help us to fix our eyes on you, the author and finisher of our faith. Give us clarity of purpose and purity of heart as we walk with You. Let the hope of Calvary shape our every thought, word and deed today. Amen.
THURSDAY
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Romans 15:13
God of hope, lift our eyes today above the chaos and towards the promise of eternal life. Even in the face of suffering, help us cling to the hope of Christ’s return and the restoration of all things. Strengthen our faith as we await the day when sorrow and death will be no more. Amen.
FRIDAY
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.””
Joshua 1:9
Lord Jesus, give us courage to live boldly for You in a world that, as you said, will oppose the truth. May we stand firm in our gift of faith, confident in the victory of the cross. Help us not shrink back in fear, but speak and act with love and conviction, knowing You are with us always, even to the end. Amen.
SATURDAY
“Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods.”
Psalm 96:1-4
Sovereign Father, we pray for the nations caught in war and unrest. Bring justice, mercy and healing to broken lands. Raise up peacemakers and let the gospel shine in dark places. May Your church be a beacon of hope and truth, pointing to the victory of Christ over sin and death. Amen.
SUNDAY
“Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!””
Revelation 5:11-13
Mighty Saviour, today we lift our voices together in praise to the One who conquered the grave. You alone are worthy of our worship and devotion. Let our hearts be filled with awe as we celebrate Your victory. May the joy of Your resurrection fuel our worship and empower our witness in the week ahead. Amen.