Weekly Devotionals – July 27-31

 

Monday: A Bigger Story

Sunday dinner was the final event of Beth’s weekend with her friends Lauren and Mia. Jane had made roast beef, mashed potatoes, and a basket of rolls that kept moving toward Ben’s end of the table. “Save a few for everyone else,” Beth told him. “I am saving them,” Ben answered. “I’m saving them on my plate.” Mia laughed and said, “Your family is exactly the same at home as they are at church.”

Beth asked what they thought about the morning sermon. Lauren had attended church most of her life, but Mia had only gone a few times when she was younger. “I knew about Noah, the ark, the animals, and the rainbow,” Mia said. “I never knew the Flood was connected to Satan’s kingdom or the rest of the Bible. I thought it was just one of those stories everyone learned as a child.”

“That is the reason for this series,” John said. “The stories belong together. The Flood happened during the war between God’s Kingdom and Satan’s kingdom.” Mia took another roll before Ben could reach it. “Then I have a question. If everyone outside the ark died, why didn’t that destroy Satan’s kingdom?” Ben pointed toward her roll and said, “You are learning theology and survival at the same time.”

John smiled. “The Flood removed the people who were serving Satan at that time. Satan was still active, and the people inside the ark still had sinful hearts.” Mia thought about his answer. “So they had a new world, but they still had the same problem.” “Exactly,” Jane said. “Noah believed God and obeyed Him, but Noah was still a sinner who needed God’s grace. His children and their children would also be born with sinful hearts. Satan would continue deceiving people and building his kingdom through them.”

“I never thought about what happened after the animals left the ark,” Mia said. “The story always seemed finished when the rainbow appeared.” Beth answered, “The Flood story ended, but the war didn’t.” Mia nodded. “Then I want to know what finally ends it.”

What Scripture Says

Genesis 8:21 says, “The imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth.” God said this after the Flood. The wicked generation was gone, but the sinful human heart remained. Romans 5:12 explains, “By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”

The Flood was God’s righteous judgment against sin. It gave mankind a new beginning, but Satan remained active and mankind remained sinful. Satan’s kingdom rose again because sinners continued to follow him. This leaves us with Mia’s question: If the Flood did not destroy Satan’s kingdom, what will?

 

Tuesday: Someone Stronger

Jane brought an apple pie to the table and asked who wanted ice cream. Every hand went up. “Now that we have settled the important question,” Ben said, “we can return to Mia’s question.” Mia smiled. “Thank you for keeping everyone focused. If the Flood could not destroy Satan’s kingdom, what can?” John answered, “God told us in Genesis 3:15. A descendant of the woman would crush the serpent’s head. Satan would finally be defeated by a person, and that person is Jesus.”

Lauren remembered something from the sermon. “Is that where the strong man comes into it?” John nodded. “Jesus cast a demon out of a man, and some people accused Him of working through Satan. Jesus told them that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. Then He compared Satan to a strong man guarding his house.”

“Are the people his possessions?” Mia asked. “Satan treats them that way,” John said. “He blinds their minds, deceives them, and holds them under his power. Jesus entered Satan’s territory and began setting people free.” “Was Satan the real power behind every person Jesus helped?” Mia asked. “He was the enemy holding people in darkness. Jesus came with the authority of God’s Kingdom.”

Mia looked puzzled. “How could anyone walk into Satan’s kingdom and take people away from him?” Beth answered, “He would have to be stronger than Satan.” “That is exactly what Jesus said,” John replied. “His authority over demons proved that He was stronger. They resisted other people, but they obeyed Jesus immediately.”

“So the miracles were doing more than helping sick people?” Mia asked. “Yes,” Jane answered. “Jesus truly cared for every person He helped. His miracles also showed who He is. When He healed disease, raised the dead, and cast out demons, He showed His authority over the damage sin and Satan had brought into the world.”

Mia took a bite of pie. “I always thought the miracles were separate stories too.” Lauren laughed. “Welcome to the Bible Storyline. Apparently, nothing is separate.”

What Scripture Says

Luke 11:20–22 says, “But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.”

Satan is the strong man in Jesus’ illustration. Jesus is the stronger one who entered his house. Every demon Jesus cast out showed that the Kingdom of God had entered Satan’s territory. The promised seed of the woman had come, and Satan was facing someone he could not defeat.

Wednesday: The Victory Jesus Won

Mia set down her fork. “If Jesus is stronger than Satan, why is Satan still active?” Ben pointed toward the empty pie plate. “And why is there never enough dessert?” Jane looked at him. “One of those questions has an answer in the Bible.”

John explained that Jesus came the first time to deal with the sin that placed mankind under Satan’s power. Every person is guilty before God. Satan uses sin, guilt, and death to hold people in his kingdom. Jesus took our guilt upon Himself and suffered God’s judgment for our sin on the cross.

“So Satan thought killing Jesus would stop Him?” Mia asked. “Yes,” John said. “Satan worked through Judas, the religious leaders, and the Roman authorities. Jesus willingly laid down His life because His death was part of God’s plan. He paid for our sin and then rose bodily from the grave.” Lauren added, “That means death could not keep Him.” “Right,” Jane said. “Jesus defeated the weapon Satan had used against every generation since Adam.”

Mia thought about that. “Then what happens to someone who trusts Jesus?” John answered, “God forgives that person, gives him new birth, and brings him out of Satan’s kingdom into the Kingdom of Jesus. Salvation includes a change of kingdom and a change of allegiance.” John continued, “Saved people still face temptation, but Satan is no longer their ruler. They belong to Jesus, receive the Holy Spirit, and begin learning to obey their King.”

“That sounds more serious than asking Jesus to help with your life,” Mia said. “It is,” Jane replied. “Jesus calls us to repent of our sin, believe the gospel, and follow Him as King.” Mia asked, “So becoming a Christian means trusting what Jesus did instead of trying to make yourself good enough?” Jane nodded. “Salvation is God’s gift to sinners who repent and believe.”

Mia smiled. “I came to spend the weekend with Beth. I did not know I was signing up for an entire Bible course.” Beth reached for the last scoop of ice cream. “The course was free. Ben charged extra for dessert.”

What Scripture Says

Hebrews 2:14 says that Jesus took on flesh and blood “that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” Jesus entered our world, died for our sins, and rose from the dead.

Colossians 1:13 says that God “hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” When sinners repent and believe the gospel, God forgives them and brings them into Christ’s Kingdom. Jesus won this victory through His death and resurrection. Satan remains active for a time, but he cannot keep anyone whom Jesus saves.

 

Thursday: Our Orders From the King

As Jane began clearing the table, Mia carried dishes to the kitchen. “If Jesus is going to defeat Satan, what are Christians supposed to do now?” she asked. “Are you trying to take the world back for Him?” Ben picked up the empty breadbasket. “I have successfully taken this.” Beth handed him two plates. “Now take those.”

John answered Mia’s question. “Jesus has given His church a mission. We preach the gospel, make disciples, baptize believers, and teach them to obey Him. Every person who repents and believes is delivered from Satan’s power and brought into Christ’s Kingdom.”

“What about elections, laws, and trying to improve the country?” Mia asked. “Those things have a proper place,” John said. “Romans 13 says government should punish evil and promote justice. Christians should support what is right. Government deals with people’s conduct. God changes sinners through the gospel.” God assigned government to restrain public evil and protect people from harm. He assigned the church to preach the gospel, because sinners need forgiveness and new birth. We honor both assignments and keep our confidence in King Jesus.”

Lauren said, “So Christians are not responsible for defeating Satan?” “King Jesus will defeat him,” Jane answered. “Our responsibility is to remain faithful to the King. Paul describes that as standing.”

Mia leaned against the kitchen counter. “Standing sounds easy.” “It can be difficult,” Beth said. “Standing means obeying Jesus when other people are moving in the opposite direction. It means refusing Satan’s lies, resisting temptation, speaking the truth, and continuing to follow Jesus.” Lauren said, “Then standing is active.” John nodded. “It takes faith to keep obeying, teaching, praying, serving, and speaking the gospel while Satan’s kingdom appears strong. The King decides when the final victory comes.”

John added, “We stand in the strength Jesus gives us. We also pass the faith forward. Noah obeyed God and preserved his family. Seth’s descendants passed faith from one generation to another. We teach the next generation so they can stand after us.” Ben placed the plates beside the sink. “I have completed my mission.” Jane pointed toward the dishwasher. “You have reached the mission field.”

What Scripture Says

Ephesians 6:10–11 says, “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Our strength comes from Jesus, and our command is to stand faithfully against Satan.

Matthew 28:18–20 gives the church its mission. Jesus has all authority in Heaven and earth. He commands us to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey Him. We stand our ground by obeying King Jesus and carrying out the work He has given us.

 

Friday: When the King Returns

With the dishes loaded and the kitchen clean, everyone moved into the living room. Mia sat beside Beth and said, “I understand what Christians are supposed to do now. What happens when Jesus comes back?” Lauren answered first. “He finishes the war.” John opened his Bible. “Revelation 19 shows Jesus returning as King of kings and Lord of lords. He comes with authority to judge His enemies and rule the earth.”

“And Satan?” Mia asked. “Revelation 20 says Satan will be bound so he cannot deceive the nations,” John answered. “After his final rebellion, he will be cast into the lake of fire. His work on earth will end.” “That sounds final,” Mia said. “It is,” John answered. “Satan’s sentence will never be reversed, and no new enemy will rise to replace him.”

Mia looked surprised. “Then God finally gets rid of the one who keeps rebuilding the kingdom.” “Yes,” Jane said. “The promise God made in Genesis 3:15 will be complete. Jesus will crush the serpent’s head.”

“What happens to the earth?” Mia asked. “Does everyone leave it?” Beth shook her head. “God made the earth as mankind’s home. After the Flood, God brought Noah out of the ark and placed him back on the earth. The Bible ends with God restoring the earth and living here with His people.” “So Christians are waiting for a Person and a Kingdom,” Mia said. “Exactly,” Beth answered.

John explained that Revelation 21 and 22 describe a new earth under the rule of Jesus. Sin, death, sorrow, pain, and the curse will be gone. God’s people will worship Him, serve Him, and reign with Him.

Mia smiled. “I understand why the pastor kept calling Him King Jesus. He is coming to defeat the other kingdom and rule the earth.” “That is why Christians look forward to His return,” Jane said. “We know what He will do when He comes.” Mia glanced at Beth. “I thought I was coming for a weekend and one church service. Now I want to hear the next sermon.” Ben grinned. “You should probably stay another week. The food is usually good.”

What Scripture Says

Second Peter 3:13 says, “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” Revelation 20 says Satan will be bound and finally cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 21 and 22 show God dwelling with His people on the restored earth.

King Jesus will complete God’s unstoppable plan to defeat evil, restore creation, and establish His Kingdom on earth. Until He comes, we stand in His strength and carry out His commands. Revelation 22:20 gives us the prayer of everyone who longs for His Kingdom: “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”