Wherefore he saith, When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) Ephesians 4: 8 -10 (KJV).

REFLECT:
Most times when we watch a movie or go to the theatre to watch a play, we wonder what goes on behind the scenes. As part of the audience, sitting and waiting for the play to start there is always a lot of anticipation and excitement that we experience. There would be a myriad of thoughts running riot in our heads ranging from what the actors are doing behind the stage and how the actual performance would turn out to be. We also wonder about the amount of effort put into such a production that would make the play or movie a great hit.

We notice how much society has evolved in our present dispensation, with the advancement in technology, open-source internet, and the various social media platforms, backstage and behind the scenes events, are no longer a secret or privileged right to only the actors and producers. The audience has now become privy to the backstories of the movie they desire or intend to watch beforehand.

Notwithstanding, we may think society just evolved for us now, but it might be surprising to note to our amazement that Heaven’s technology operates way beyond what we experience here on earth. Even what is more exciting is that Heaven’s technology has over the ages allowed us to be privy to its behind-the-scenes events. The mode(s) of this technology is what we call Spirit-led prophecies, revelations, and words of wisdom as recorded in the Bible.

One of such events was what happened after Jesus died and was buried. Decades before this event, prophecies came forth not only about His death, but also about what would transpire after Jesus was buried, and the devastating effects on the kingdom of darkness this singular event would have. These scriptures revealed to us that He would victoriously resurrect from the dead. Isaiah 53; Psalms 16:10; Act 2:31; Isaiah 26:19.

Jesus himself also prophesied these behind-the-scenes events bearing witness to what the Old Testament prophets had said about Him before He was crucified. Matthew 16:21 gives us a clear picture of Jesus foretelling about his death and resurrection,

“From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.” (KJV).

And:

“Jesus answered and said unto them, destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said” (John 2: 19 – 22 KJV).

What is more interesting was when Jesus, after His resurrection through different revelatory accounts in the Bible gave us an amazing understanding of what happened backstage or behind the scenes while He was in the grave. He proclaims His victory over death and hell just as our Bible verse for today explicitly states –

“Wherefore he saith, When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)” Ephesians 4: 8 -10 KJV.

Here are other Bible confirmations of Jesus’ victory in the grave over death and hell.

“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Revelation.” 1: 18 KJV.

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” Matthew 28:18. KJV.

So, what does all this tell us? Categorically, these backstage and behind-the-scenes events of the accounts of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus go to tell us that our Savior’s victory was complete and perfect. The good news is that the victory He obtained He has also handed over fully to us who believe in Him. Mark 16: 15 -18.

Therefore, standing on these accounts from numerous sources of these circumstantial behind-the-scenes events, we, as believers, can confidently proclaim wide and loudly that God is good and true to His Word. He does not leave those who have come to put their trust in Him clueless or without any hope. Just as He promised, He is always with us His children, speaking, revealing, guiding, and directing.

As we continue to believe in the power of the death and resurrection of Jesus, we will also experience the same victory that Jesus won behind the scenes in every area of our lives. HALLELUJAH!!

Ebimobo W. Obasi.

PLEASE PRAY ALONG:

Dear JESUS thank you for going the whole length for me. I owe you a whole debt of gratitude, You did not just stop at dying on the cross, but you went further to take on the powers of darkness in the grave behind the scenes, and precisely defeated hell and death so that I can be totally free. I give You all the glory, You are my conquering and victorious King and worthy of all my praise. In Your Name, I pray, AMEN!