Today is September 29

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”

Today’s reading is from the book of Revelation, chapter 12.

10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
“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 brothers and sisters,
who accuses them before our God day and night,
has been hurled down.
11 They triumphed over him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death.
12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens
and you who dwell in them!
But woe to the earth and the sea,
because the devil has gone down to you!
He is filled with fury,
because he knows that his time is short.”

This week, our scriptures have been focused on facing trials, rebuilding walls and towns, restoring relationships, and having God as our fortress. Consider how often scripture speaks to those of us who follow Jesus, and assumes we’re in a place of hardship, distress, or need. Revelation paints a prophetic picture of this last battle – and points to the triumph of Christ overall. What emotions does all of this bring up in you? Bring one of those emotions before the Lord.

It’s often easy for the language of our faith to become commonplace, to devolve from true faith into shallow religion or ritual. Revelation reminds us that our faith in Christ has implications that we can barely get our minds around: That God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son – and through Him – the salvation, power, and kingdom of God, and the authority of the Messiah has broken into the world to save that which is lost. Listen again and ask God to allow it to rightly orient you to the mystery of your faith.

Our faith in God’s power will often come into conflict with our faith in worldly power. Worldly power coerces, but faith in Christ leads us to consenting to God’s power. Worldly power brings conflict, but faith in Christ bears peace that passes understanding. Worldly power uses might and the sword... but faith in Christ is made up of a reconciliation born out of humility and sacrifice. As we end our time of prayer today, allow these truths to draw you toward Christus Victor – Christ who is victorious in all and overall.
Music Credit:
"You Give Us Peace" - Heaven & Earth (YouTube)