As we’ve just observed the Christmas Season no doubt with at least one quiet singing of “Silent Night,” we would do well to remember that it really wasn’t a “Silent Night,” as much as we enjoy that carol and others like it. Jesus’ birth was an invasion and the battle is ongoing.
I wrote about this last year, and it’s worth another reminder…
I noticed in my reading of the letters to the Seven Churches of Revelation (Revelation chapters 2 and 3) that there’s a comment element in each short letter: “the one who conquers,” ESV, or “to him who overcomes,” NKJV.
The one who conquers…
- Will eat of the tree of life in the paradise of God, 2.7
- Will not be hurt by the second death, 2.11
- Will receive some of the hidden manna, 2.17
- Will receive authority over the nations, 2.26
- Will be clothed in white garments and not have his name blotted out of the book of life 3.5
- Will be a pillar in the temple of my God, 3.12
- Will sit with me on my throne, 3.21
Conquering and overcoming imply there’s a battle.
Tomorrow we’ll look at the beginning of it.
The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. (1 John 3.8, ESV)
Those Revelation verses are comforting as they are reminders of Christ’s blessings to His flock of encouragement and with promises to those who overcome the enemy. And perseverance is necessary since the enemy is persistent, too. We know the outcome!! We are privileged to be in the battle, looking towards the 2nd advent.