Saturday, 7 September 2024

September 7 - The Overcome and the Overcomers

 Read today’s texts first: 2 Kings 25; 2 Chronicles 26; Jeremiah 40-41; Revelation 12 

MAXIMize YOUR DAY
We can be an overcomer only when Jesus
is our Saviour, our source and our story.

This seemingly random collection of passages has surprising continuity. I love the chronological approach of this Bible reading plan. The OT readings focus on the final moments leading up to the capture of Jerusalem and the deportation of God’s people to Babylon. We read how Israel and Judah wanted to be like the other nations. Well, they got their wish – they were all so full of pride God had to bring every last one of them to their knees. The overcomers were now overcome!

Fast forward to Revelation and we find God’s people again, this time getting it right.  While facing the fiercest opposition in history, Satan himself leading an all-out attack on believers in the Great Tribulation, the remnant prevail. They overcome, not with superior Bible knowledge, not with good looks, charm or brilliant military strategies – they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony (12:11). The blood refers to their need for a Savior; their testimony articulates that need.

We cannot overcome Satan and his forces with human strength. Our only hope at overcoming comes through a dependence on God and one another. That is a lesson for every potential church leader. I worked with young leaders for most of my ministry and they were often smart, good-looking, and talented. But the best thing we can teach them is that none of those things factor in the conflict they will face. What matters most is that they never forget their need for a Saviour and for each other – the secret to our invincibility.

“Lord, I need You more than ever. Be my Saviour, my source and my story as I live out this day and those still remaining.”

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