The cross was an ambush set by God to destroy the works of the devil and to demolish death once and for all. Jesus did not go to the cross in defeat; He went to the cross for victory, and at the end of it all, when He said "It is finished", He had already won.
Our God uses even the work of wicked men for his own good purposes - the salvation of all who would call on Him. There is no dark plan that He will not redeem - all things... yes, ALL things will one day work out for the good of God's people.
"It is a glorious phrase – 'He led captivity captive.' Psalm 68:18
The very triumphs of His foes, it means, He used for their defeat. He compelled their dark achievements to subserve His ends, not theirs.
They nailed Him to a 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 city gates to die, not knowing that in that very moment they were lifting up the gates of the universe, to let the King come in. They thought to root out His doctrines, not understanding that they were implanting imperishably in the hearts of men the very name they intended to destroy.
They thought they had God with His back to the wall, pinned helpless and defeated: they did not know that it was God Himself who had tracked them down. He did not conquer in spite of the dark mystery of evil. He conquered through it."
- James S. Stewart, Scotland (1896-1990)
