Devotion for Tuesday, November 21, 2023

“And he took hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he threw him into the abyss and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were completed; after these things he must be released for a short time” (Revelation 20:2-3).

I confess to you that I do not fully understand what the Lord is saying here.  I am skeptical of anyone who tells you they do.  What this does tell me is that Satan, the devil, is under the power of our Lord.  Never believe the lie that tells you otherwise.  God has a purpose for everything and even if we cannot yet comprehend what He is doing, know that all power and authority belong to the Lord.

Lord, I do want to know what this means.  But will knowing all that this means change who I am or what I need to do?  No, it will not.  Rather, help me to focus upon the life You have given me knowing that there is much work to be done in me if I am to be like Christ.  Guide me always in the way of eternal life so that I may now and always walk in Your presence.

My Lord and Savior, You are the One who binds and loosens.  You have given some delegated authority such that they may, in Your name and by Your authority, bind and loose, but it is by Your power and authority.  Lead me by Your power and authority, in the baptism by which You brought me into Your promise and to be Your disciple and teach me how to obey all that You have commanded.  Lord, guide me where I need to go.  Amen.