Revelation 12:7-17
Reflect
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about why Jesus came to Earth? Advent is a really important time because it gives us space to intentionally think about how we answer this question and the implications this has on what it means (for us) to follow Jesus. While it would be nice if I could tell you there is one simple answer to this question, that would not be consistent with the story of Scriptures. The Bible is FILLED with answers to that question and today’s reading provides us with an answer that we may not think much about: Jesus came to defeat the powers of sin and darkness so we can overcome the ‘powers’ of this world as we partner with Christ’s Kingdom come. This passage uses such beautiful imagery to tell the story of how sin and darkness were ultimately defeated through the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In light of this, when we look at the current issues that we face in the world, how can we have hope? We can have hope knowing that no matter how bad things seem, God has (and will have) the ultimate victory. Christ’s coming ushered in a new age - the age of God’s Kingdom. We do not know it yet in fullness but we know it in part, and in that we can (as the verses instruct us) rejoice!
Apply
What are some of the areas in your life you are tempted towards despair? How does knowing that Christ has defeated the powers of darkness re-orient you towards hope?
Pastor Daunavan
Pray
- Pray for our Lead Team Pastor, Terry Okken.
- Pray for Erin Gibbard, Youth Ministry Assistant.
- Pray for all our small group leaders, and our Small Group Intern Isaac Lee.
- Pray for the ministry of International Student Ministries.