Well, Father, I am grateful that everything is in Your mighty hands! There were some surprising developments today, but I place my trust in You! Lead and I will follow!
John 14:27-31 (<<click here to read the passage)
Mugs are definitely convenient and handy devices. A couple of days ago, two moms and their four elementary kids all ended up in one driveway! They are “neighbors” but in our area, our lots are multiple acres in size! Regardless, as I pulled up, there they stood chatting, each with a mug of what I assumed to be their morning coffee.
I’ve seen many pictures of people holding that warm mug of coffee or hot cocoa, their fingers firmly grasping the handle. They are obviously enjoying their beverage and the warmth of it in their hands brings a look of satisfaction on their face.
The handles on those mugs are definitely an asset of which the drinkers take full advantage. They provide a secure way to grasp the mug and it also offers a way to hold on to it without getting burned by the hot contents.
As I read through my study Bible* notes on the latter portion of today’s passage, it said, “Although Satan, the ruler of this world, was unable to overpower Jesus (Matthew 4), he still had the arrogance to try.”
It goes on to say, “…because Jesus is sinless, Satan has no power over him. If we obey Jesus and align ourselves closely with God’s purposes, Satan can have no power over us.”
So, here’s what came to mind. Think of the sin in our lives as the handle on a mug. Because Jesus is sinless, Satan had nothing to grab ahold of. Though he tempted Jesus in the wilderness following his baptism (that’s the Matthew 4 passage by the way), Jesus gave Satan nothing by which to overpower Him.
Now here is a tall order, by loving Jesus and obeying His commandments, we eliminate the “handles” of sin in our lives. The less sin the less power Satan has over us. God’s power is insurmountable, and Satan is defeated!
Lord Jesus, may we strive to show our love through obedience. May we give that great deceiver, the devil, nothing to grab hold of!
*Life Application Study Bible New Living Translation
Sept 16th, 2021, Thurs, 6:50 pm
