Yet Revelation 12 paints exactly this picture — the devil himself attempting to crush God’s plan of salvation at its very beginning.
The dragon waited as Christ was born, hoping to destroy Him.
On Good Friday, when Jesus died, Satan thought he’d won.
But what seemed like victory became his ultimate defeat.
Why? Because the devil’s power over you comes from your sin. He’s the accuser, constantly reminding you of your failures, whispering that God could never forgive what you’ve done.
But through Christ’s death on the cross, every sin of all time has been forgiven. Yours, mine, everyone’s — past, present and future.
The devil’s ammunition against you is gone.
When Jesus took His heavenly throne at the ascension, Satan realized he couldn’t destroy God directly.
So he targeted what God loves instead — the church. Bad move.
Jesus already promised that he will build his church and “the gates of hell will not prevail against it.”
So now the devil hunts individual Christians like you.
As 1 Peter says, he “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” He waits for you to stray, then pounces.
But God hasn’t left you defenseless.
Through His Word and sacraments, He forgives the very sins Satan would use against you. He strengthens you daily for the battle ahead.
The incredible truth is that through Christ’s sacrifice, the devil has lost his power over you.
His attempt to defeat God became his own undoing. Your sins are forgiven. You are free.
Steve Andrews Jr is pastor of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee’s Summit, MO.
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