SCRIPTURE
Michael and All Angels
Revelation 12:7-12 (NRSV)
And war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought back, but they were defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. 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.
Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, proclaiming,
"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 comrades has been thrown down,
who accuses them day and night before our God.
But they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony,
for they did not cling to life even in the face of death.
Rejoice then, you heavens
and those who dwell in them!
But woe to the earth and the sea,
for the devil has come down to you
with great wrath,
because he knows that his time is short!"
DEVOTION
I don’t know about you, but I try to live an Advent kind of life—year round!
Scripture teaches us that we are to look forward to the second coming of Jesus and the establishment of a new heaven and earth where Jesus will reign eternally!
Before this will happen, there will be a show down between good and evil. Ultimately good will triumph; after all, who doesn't love a happily ever after story?
Whilst scripture says that Michael and the other angels have had--and will have--an important role to play in the things to come, it also says that God’s people will have a role to play as well.
I love the verse that says “they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony!”
Hallelujah!
Our victory is assured because God loves the world so much that God gave Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life.
Because of the shed blood of Jesus and his resurrection from the dead we are made eternally victorious! Additionally, scripture says that victory is assured by the word of our testimony!
Sometimes I fear that as Christians we do not understand the importance of sharing the good news with others! Many of us are fearful about sharing the love of God revealed through Christ Jesus with others! In the face of ridicule or hostility from family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, or enemies, we shrink from being bold about our faith in Jesus!
Today, we are reminded that it is God’s love, gift, and salvation, in addition to our testimonies that will assure ultimate victory at the end of the age.
Won’t you please pray with me?
Holy God, thank you so much for your great love for all of us! Thank you for the shed Blood of Jesus and for the good news testimony that you have given to me to share. I pray in Jesus’ Name that you will forgive me of my sin and fill me afresh with the Holy Spirit so that I will be bold in the declaration of my testimony. I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
THE INVITATION
If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, "Come to Jesus."
http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html
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