07/13/2020
In the book of Revelation we read the end of the story, and know that Jesus Christ triumphs over Satan and evil, so why is it that so many Christians still live their lives like the outcome is in doubt? Why are believers tempted, knowing full well what awaits them in their sin? Listen to me today... Jesus will not only defeat Satan, but we will be at His side, and claim that victory with Him! This is the journey of our faith realized.
“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”
Romans 16:20 ESV
So many of us have been beaten down, found ourselves lacking, or never tasted victory In our secular lives, and it shows in how we approach hardship, and yes... our faith too. We can’t imagine facing adversity, let alone Satan, and coming away victorious, so we look down when confronted by strength, we cower before the world’s men of means, and see ourselves as less than we are... we can’t believe we are actually the children of God.
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”
1 John 3:1 ESV
When I was a boy, and was leaving my parent’s house to go somewhere; maybe to a party, a camp out, or just to play at a friend’s house, I could depend on my mother telling me to be good, and then as she looked into my eyes she would say very seriously: “Remember who’s child you are.” Of course she was referring to the fact that I was her child, and my father’s son, but in a Christian household there is a parenthood that is far greater... an implied relationship to God the Father, and Jesus Christ our joint heir. So we should similarly remember this charge when we leave our Heavenly Father’s house and go out into the world.
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
2 Timothy 3:14-15 ESV
Once a child is abused by the world it is hard to overcome the damage that has been done to them. Much like a dog that has repeatedly been beaten will wince and cower, or growl and snap, whenever someone raises their hand to pet it, so are those newly adopted children of God who the world has unmercifully beaten down when they first go about their lives In Christ. They have grown so accustomed to being the least that it is hard for them to behave as a child of the King. They have read the end of the story, but act like the vanquished, and not the victor. They can’t envision themselves as images of Christ. But, they should take heart and remember this...
“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.”
2 Corinthians 4:8-10 ESV
As for those who have overcome their fright, and now walk boldly as true nobility in their faith, having accepted that they are the children of God, we have an obligation towards our newly adopted brethren. We are meant to gently encourage them, and instruct them . We are to take the gospel of Jesus, and the grace of God that flows through Him, then apply it as a dressing to the wounds left by the world on our brothers and sisters. We should be careful not to kill the damaged child while trying to treat the cancer of sin, or harm a frail psyche beyond its ability to heal. No other task set before us is as intricate, or important as leading a soul from the world into heaven.
“And it shall be said, “Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstruction from my people’s way.” For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.”
Isaiah 57:14-15 ESV
Changing our lives, it is a journey of transformation that we can’t make alone, it takes God’s love, Jesus to abide in us, the Holy Spirit to guide us, and the encouragement of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Although you begin this pilgrimage by taking tentative steps, like a baby, each day’s walk brings you more self-assuredness, and lengthens your stride. Each morning you lift your gaze a little higher in anticipation of seeing heaven on the horizon, and before you know it you are no longer cowering in fear behind Jesus, but are standing beside Him... ready to face the world, and to come away victorious. Where once you winced, or lashed out at the hand of God, you have now come to welcome it.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for loving us so much that even though we were damaged by sin you sent your Son Jesus to redeem us. Thank you for taking our spirit which was beaten down by Satan, and told it was unworthy, and setting about the task of lifting it up, so that it might be brought into relationship with you. Help us Holy Father to walk with our heads held up, and our voices lifted to you without quivering. Help us to become transformed into the victor that you desire us to be. Give us strength in our faith so that on that day of reckoning we will crush the dark one under our feet, and give you the glory of victory. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who heals the wounds of the world, causes the blind to see, the lame to walk, and death to be defeated. Praised be your name for every step of faith we take, and every fear we overcome. Great are you who teaches us to wear your armor, and swing your sword. Merciful are you to those who struggle to throw off the burden left upon them by the world, and to amazing is your grace that lifts our cast down eyes to you. Hear our prayers of contrition, hear our cry for forgiveness, and dry our tears with your hand as we are overcome by emotion at your presence. Call us to you Father, pray for us Jesus, lead us Holy Spirit, and give us encouragement brothers and sisters in Christ, so that we can recover from sin, and walk into our Father’s house; there to dwell for eternity.
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 5:10-11 ESV
Rich Forbes