Our Scripture meditation is based on Revelation 12:7-11, part of the second reading for next weekend.
[7] Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, [8] but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. [9] And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. [10] And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. [11] And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.
The book of Revelation can be difficult to understand. It is a blessing that this passage in Revelation explains itself, so that we are encouraged instead of intimated.
That said, Satan can be intimating. Satan successfully tempted Adam and Eve to sin. Initially called “the dragon” in this passage, Satan also has his own fallen angels (verse 7). Satan is called the “accuser” (verse 10) because he accuses us of sinning before God. Personally speaking, any created being who would directly challenge God is intimidating.
Thanks be to our God our Father, who has vanquished Satan. We’re told in verse 11 that Satan was conquered by the “blood of the Lamb.” This is Jesus, the very Lamb of God, who shed his blood in his crucifixion. In his resurrection, Jesus not only defeated Satan, but conquered death.
Instead of being intimidated by Satan, we are encouraged by Jesus. The Devil has no power over us because we belong to Jesus. All praise and honor and glory be to our Lord and Savior, forevermore.
Kevin Wilson 360 