He led captivity captive (Ps 68:18 KJV)

It is a glorious phrase – “He led captivity captive.” (Ps 68:18 KJV).

The very triumphs of his foes He used for their defeat. He compelled their dark achievements to subserve His ends, not theirs. They nailed Him to the tree, not knowing that by that very act they were bringing the world to His feet. They gave Him a cross, not guessing that He would make it a throne.

They flung Him outside the gates to die, not knowing that at that very moment they were lifting up all the gates in the universe to let the King of Glory come in. They thought to root out His doctrines, not understanding that they were implanting imperishably in the hearts of men and women the very name they intended to destroy.

They thought they had God with His back to the wall, pinned and helpless and defeated. They did not know it was God Himself who had dragged them down to that point. He did not conquer in spite of the dark mystery of evil, He conquered through it.

James Stewart, 1972. The Strong Name, Baker, Grand Rapids, MI, pp 55.