TODAY’S SCRIPTURE Revelation 12:10-12
“And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” (Revelation 12:12)
The context of this verse is the defeat of Satan by Christ. Satan was “cast out of Heaven” and suffered final, irrevocable defeat at Christ’s resurrection. Satan is still active, however. “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). We choose whether we will be on the winning side or the losing side. This text suggests three weapons that will ensure our triumph.
“The blood of the Lamb:” “There is power, power, wonder-working power, in the precious blood of the Lamb.” Jesus’ shed blood was a “once-for-all” sacrifice (Hebrews 10:12-14), a substitute sacrifice for all people (1 John 2:2). Satan has dominion over us through our sins. When we are baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27) and walk in the light, the blood of Christ continually cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7).
“The word of their testimony” is “the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4). “For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12).
“They loved not their lives even unto death.” The Word of the Gospel faithfully lived is often more powerful than the Word preached. Mother Teresa was guest speaker at the National Prayer Breakfast in 1994. President and Mrs. Clinton, strong advocates of abortion, were present. Mother Teresa delivered a scathing rebuke of abortion as a failure to love. President Clinton, asked by reporters later why he did not respond, said simply, “It is hard to argue with a life so well lived.” A life lived on such Christian principles as kindness, gentleness, forbearance, and love is more powerful than strident argumentation and clever insulting quips.
The blood of Christ, the Word of God, and the Word faithfully lived defeats Satan every time.
Today I will…think of someone I know whose life is “well-lived.” I will thank God for that person and write a note of encouragement to that individual.
