Theme of the Day: The Devil Does His Worst, Yet Jesus Always Wins
Look at our lives—the problems, the pains—and it’s easy to conclude that we are losing. Look at the world—the brokenness, the bedlam—and it’s easy to believe that the devil is winning. It all can lead us to despair. Yet this turmoil is exactly what God said would happen already in the Garden. There God declared that until the end of time enmity would prevail between the devil and mankind. But God promised more than that. He promised that from humanity would rise one who would completely defeat the devil.
We need a top-down faith to understand that things are definitely not what they seem. Yes, the devil and his allies are constantly doing their worst. Their work always brings pain. Yet, ultimately, Jesus always wins. And his victory is our victory. Jesus’ victory is so complete that even when Satan continues to cause chaos, Christ uses it to reveal his glory and grace to those gifted with top-down faith.
Mark 3:20-35
Genesis 3:8-15
Revelation 20:1-6
Psalm 130A
574 – The Tree of Life
871 – Rise! To Arms! With Prayer Employ You
567 – What Adam’s Disobedience Cost
566 – Father, God of Grace, You Knew Us
875 – What Threat of Harm Can Hinder Me
Prayer of the Day: Almighty and eternal God, your Son Jesus triumphed over the prince of demons and freed us from bondage to sin. Help us to stand firm against every assault of Satan, and enable us always to do your will; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. Alleluia.