In John 17:15, Jesus offers an amazing prayer just hours before his crucifixion: "I do not pray that You take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one." This powerful prayer reveals Jesus's deep concern for his disciples' well-being as they prepared to carry on his work in a world filled with evil. He knew the challenges they would face; He knew that the "adversary prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." Even King David, in the Old Testament, needed protection, praying that he would "fear no evil" because of the Lord's protective "rod and staff."
The Source of Evil's Authority
The existence of evil in the world today is undeniable. A question arises from the temptation of Christ, where the adversary claimed the authority to offer Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. How did he gain such power? It is widely understood that when Adam sinned, mankind, created in the image of God, suffered a profound loss. This loss of authority and connection to God opened the door for the enemy's influence. Jesus, who created the heavens and the earth for humanity, expressed his concern for his followers' safety from this very enemy in this prayer. He wanted them to be literally "kept from him," a desire that speaks to the need for protection from wrong decisions, traps, and the consequences of our own sin wrongdoing. These are pathways of the adversary.
Overcoming the Darkness
The evil of the world can often feel overwhelming, but God's plan for his followers is victory, not defeat. The Book of Revelation provides a clear pathway to overcoming the enemy. It reveals that before the final defeat of the adversary, mankind will have power over him. In Christ, we possess that power now. This power is not self-generated but comes from the "overcoming victorious Lamb of God who was worthy to open the scroll."
The Resources for Victory
Revelation 12:11 outlines the resources available to believers for overcoming the enemy:
The Blood of the Lamb: This represents the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, which cleanses us from sin and gives us new life. It is the foundation of our victory.
The Word of Their Testimony: Our testimony is a powerful tool God uses to reveal Himself to the world. Sharing our story of redemption and God's faithfulness makes His work visible and strengthens our own faith.
A Mindset of Sacrifice: The phrase "they did not love their lives to the death" points to a willingness to surrender everything for Christ. It is a mindset of sacrifice, where we prioritize God's will above our own comfort and safety, knowing that true life is found in Him.
These three resources—the blood of Jesus, our personal testimony, and a sacrificial mindset—form the strategy for overcoming the enemy. They enable us to live a life of victory and fulfill Christ's purpose for us, even in a world overflooded with the evil one.
Well said, thanks so much for this!