Revelation Day 34 - Our Champion

July 20th, 2023
by Casey Taylor

DAY 34
Our Champion
Mark 1:21-28

Revelation 12 says a lot about Satan, our spiritual enemy. Thankfully, John also tells us about our champion, Jesus Christ.

Rev 12:4-6 summarizes Jesus’ entire life: his birth, his destiny as king, his death, resurrection, and ascension. The phrase “snatched up to God” covers his entire life, treating is a battle against Satan. We’re part of that battle, too. It can get quite nasty sometimes. In fact, the next few chapters show us that. Some Christians may even die for following the Way of Jesus. But John is crystal clear: our enemy rages on but our victory’s already won thanks to Jesus.

Jesus’s ministry in Galilee previewed his final victory over demonic evil. Evil spirits instantly recognize Jesus and his authority. They’re removed with ease.

In Revelation, heaven’s saints and angels aren’t sitting in the crowd wondering if Jesus will win. No, they celebrate his victory! “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah” (Rev 12:10, NIV). The war in heaven of v.7-9 isn’t a question of who will win, it’s an application of Christ’s victory.

And how does he win? One more time, John gives a simple answer in v.11, “By the blood of the Lamb.” When you read the New Testament, everyone sees the death of Jesus as the linchpin in God’s victory over evil. The world used the cross to end people. God used the cross to save people. The blood of the Lamb covers us like a protective shield. Our enemy rages on but our victory’s already won.

That’s why we call the message of Christ “the gospel of grace.” The Christian message is good news because it offers us rescue from sin, death, and - yes - the devil. It’s grace because it’s totally undeserved and unearned. It’s a freely given gift won for us by our champion, Jesus Christ. Our enemy rages on but our victory’s already won.

REFLECT
How does it affect your attitude toward everyday spiritual battles knowing Jesus has already won the victory?

PRAY
Lord Jesus, you’ve already won the victory against all our enemies. Thank you! Help me to put on the full armor of God so I can stand strong in all my spiritual battles. Amen.