Transformed – teen devotion – February 4, 2024
One truth shared: Our battles with Satan throughout this life are victorious in Christ alone.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 5:6-11
The Devil’s Work Undone
“Stop fighting” is a phrase that most of us heard as children at least a few times… and sometimes many more. It can be a passionate command shouted from a teacher, a parent, or a coach.
In our reading for today, though, the apostle Paul tells Christians of all time and place something very different. He reminds us that a very real battle is being waged throughout our time on this earth. A fierce battle. A battle in which someone wins, and someone loses.
That, though, is why Peter’s encouragement gives us so much comfort, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Truth is, Satan hates you, dear Christian. He is a sore loser and will do anything and everything in attempt to drag you away from God’s goodness and mercy. He will use the influences all around you to try to get you to forsake your blood-bought relationship with Jesus our Savior and to distance yourself from worshiping him alone.
And that’s why we fight. That’s why we confidently hear Peter’s command to “Resist (Satan).” Not only do we resist him, though. Christ stands beside us to bolster our resistance. What an amazing assurance Peter shares with us—an assurance for today; an assurance for eternity—“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” What an amazing promise that in Christ, we will triumph.
We are in the Epiphany season of the church year. The Epiphany King who reveals himself in so many ways during our lives also fights for us, dear warriors. In him there is strength. In him there is victory. In him there is peace. That’s why Peter ends this section of Scripture—and we end this devotion—with a resounding, “To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
Prayer: Keep me close to you, Lord Jesus, by the power of your Word and sacrament. Empower me for the battles ahead, knowing that my home is with you in heaven. Amen.
