The Dragon Was Defeated: A Holy Week Devotional Day 7
11Day 7: The Ascent of the King — Gates Shaken, Thrones Broken, the Church Sent
Scripture: Acts 1:6–11; Matthew 28:18–20; Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:20–23; Psalm 110
Theme: Jesus is not just risen — He is enthroned above all thrones.
Verses
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV): And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'
Matthew 16:18 (ESV): And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Ephesians 1:21 (ESV): Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
Devotional
Jesus ascended — not just to leave, but to enthrone. He was lifted above all thrones and dominions, placing every power that once raged against Him beneath His feet.But in that same breath, He commissioned us.We are not merely passive recipients of grace. We are enlisted emissaries of a conquering King, charged with bringing the nations back under His reign — one disciple at a time.And this echoes what Jesus declared just days before the transfiguration — at Caesarea Philippi, known as a gateway to the underworld. There, He said: 'Upon this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it.'This wasn’t defensive imagery. Gates do not attack. Gates are stormed.The church — the reconstituted Divine Council on earth — is commissioned to march into enemy territory: to reclaim minds, break chains, dethrone idols. The chaos dragon still writhes, though mortally wounded. But he fears the resurrected army of God: the saints, filled with the Spirit that raised Jesus.The Great Commission is not a suggestion — it is a declaration of war against the thrones of this world.
Reflection
Are you living as though the Commission still burns with fire? What would shift in your faith if you believed the Church is on offense — and the gates of hell are the ones under siege?