“And I saw what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire and,
standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious
over the beast and his image and over the number
of his name. They held harps given them by
God and sang the song … of the Lamb.”
(Revelation 15:2-3)
Thoughts… Satan is a powerful foe, and the pure wickedness of his being will be fully unleashed during the great tribulation. He will dominate the world through his deception, destroying anything and anyone who stands in his way. Countless numbers of lives will be lost in the most horrible way by those who refuse to worship him.
Ah…but there his Achilles Heel: Those who “refuse” to worship him. Satan is powerfully evil, make no mistake about that, but he holds no power over those who refuse him. And when he destroys them, he actually releases them to their ultimate victory—Christian death, which happens also to be his worst defeat.
John wrote in the previous chapter, Revelation 14:13, “Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on.” Satan can dominate, he can deceive, he can tempt, he can inflict harm, he can destroy the body—but he cannot kill the redeemed spirit. And with the simple refusal of a believer, the mighty Satan is felled.
John is describing what will happen in the end times, in the great tribulation, but do you want to see the devil’s defeat now? Simply refuse him. Refuse to give in to that temptation you are facing. Refuse to give into the anger you feel rising in your spirit. Refuse to gratify your flesh. Refuse to allow Satan to sow doubt that would cause you to question God’s Word.
Refuse Satan, and press in to God like never before. Surrender to his will. Obey his Word. Love, serve and forgive the people in your life. Put God’s kingdom first in everything you say, think and do, and by so doing, you cause Satan’s defeat.
Die to yourself and live for Christ, and by so doing, you cause Satan’s defeat. And should the time come when you face physical death for your faith, gladly and bravely die the blessed death, for by so refusing to give in to Satan, your death releases your greatest victory and the devil’s worst defeat.
Prayer… Lord, should it be your will, I would consider it a privilege to join the ranks of those who handed Satan his worst defeat.
One More Thing… “Death stung himself to death when he stung Christ.” —William Romaine
Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.