Thursday, August 8, 2013
Revelation 12:10 Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.
THE OLD DRAGON
The greatest storm we could ever face is that brought on by our own selfish sinning. We have given Satan so much to accuse us of before God's judgment seat: not just idle thoughts, but vile and malicious thoughts towards those who have hurt us and those who have not; not only slips of the tongue and downright arrows, but also honey-coated poison designed to hurt while we appear harmless as doves; and deeds to match our thoughts and words. So many missiles have been sent forth that cannot be recalled. The closer we get to the jaws of death, the more we might feel the heat of the accuser's breath.
But this storm, too, was overcome by our Jesus! The Prince of Peace has suffered God's judgment in our place and we have "triumphed over [the accuser] by the blood of the Lamb" (Revelation 12:11). God's peace has vanquished Satan's war, and it is this peace which guards our hearts and minds in connection with Christ Jesus. Not only does this calm our fear in the face of the last judgment, but knowing that our future is secure also brings peace in every other storm, too.
Satan, I defy thee;
Death, I now decry thee;
Fear, I bid thee cease.
World, thou shalt not harm me
Nor thy threats alarm me
While I sing of peace.
God's great power Guards every hour;
Earth and all its depths adore Him,
Silent bow before Him.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 347:3)
