Devotional

He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. (ESV) -Colossians 2:15

Few things are as terrifying as the thought of being held hostage by a heavily armed and highly skilled villain with an insatiable thirst for blood and a total disregard for human life. That, however, is the situation we have been in ever since the fall in Eden. When Adam and Eve believed the lie of the devil and violated God’s holy command, they fell under the control of the evil one. In Ephesians 2:2, the Apostle Paul referred to this as “following the prince of the power of the air,” who is Satan. This is not the condition of some extreme freakish demonic cult member. This is the condition of all humanity apart from Christ.

Jesus referred to Satan as a strong man, heavily armed, who seizes a house with all its possessions and inhabitants. Until a stronger man comes and defeats Satan, the hostages and goods remain under Satan’s control (Luke 11:21). Wherever sin reigns, Satan reigns, and his rule only leads to confusion, chaos, misery, and death.

Christ, the stronger man, our victor, arrived and defeated Satan once and for all.

For hundreds of years, this was a universal reality. But then it happened. Christ, the stronger man, our victor, arrived and defeated Satan once and for all. He disarmed the one who had held us captive as hostages and publicly humiliated him. How did he do this? Through the cross! 

On the cross, Jesus revealed the infinite love of God for us, once and for all...

Satan’s weapons are lies and guilt. He lies to us about God’s love for us in order to tempt us to sin. When we sin, we come under guilt, condemnation, and death. But through the crucifixion, Jesus destroyed the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). On the cross, Jesus revealed the infinite love of God for us, once and for all, exposing the lie that God does not love us. And on the cross, Jesus paid for our sins completely, totally removing our guilt and condemnation by being condemned in our place. Through the cross, Jesus triumphed over our enemies. 

Do you feel weak? Does your sin seem too big ever to overcome? Do you feel stuck in your old habits? Do you feel haunted by darkness? Are you falling into the trap of believing lies? Are you afraid or intimidated? Remember, Christ is your victor! Through his death and resurrection, he has defeated Satan, sin, and death.

Liturgy

Christ our victor,

We were once powerless, defenseless, and held captive by the serpent.
We believed his lies and were drowning in guilt.
We were condemned with no hope of rescue.

But you came to set us free.

On the cross, it appeared as if you too had fallen victim to the serpent.
But the empty tomb has proven otherwise.
Neither sin nor the grave, nor any other power are a match for you.
Through the cross you have won!

You have silenced the great liar and accuser.
You have bound the one who held us in captivity.
You have swallowed death.
You have conquered all.

Though battles still rage, you have won the war.

 Lord, we praise you, our victor, for you have rescued us.
The strong man is bound, and we are free!

In Christ’s name, Amen.