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REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “Keep them from the evil one. The evil one is satan. Jesus prayed an eternal prayer of protection to His Father to protect all believers from Satan’s or the evil one’s destruction. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. (John 17:15).

Beloved in the Lord, Jesus was nurturing the disciples to send them into the world to preach the truth or the Gospel and to set free those who are under the captivity of sin. He knew that the evil one had held captive the people who are of the world through sin and will not let go of them. The evil one is like the Pharoah who held the Israelite captive during Moses’ time. The evil one will wage war and attempt to destroy anyone who is sent on God’s mission to rescue sinners under his captivity. It is for this reason, Paul reminds us that “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground…) (Ephesians 6:12-13) Again, Peter encourages us to “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. (1 Peter 5:8-9). Jesus gives us hope and the assurance that “The thief (the evil one) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10) Jesus’ prayer for us to be protected against the evil one is actually a spiritual insurance cover. He has paid the premium with His life so that we shall become the beneficiaries of God’s protection and the gift of eternal life. Jesus has insured us against the destruction of the evil one therefore He says “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20). Again, Jesus assures us that “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:18-20). Beloved in the Lord let us not be afraid or intimidated by the evil one, all we are required to do as believers, “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. (John 9:4). We are admonished by Paul that opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. 2 (Timothy 2:25-26) We must “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season… (2 Timothy 4:2) and the power of the Holy Spirit will continue to abide with us and we shall remain protected from the evil one till the final appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. Shalom.

PRAYER

Almighty God, we have no power of our own, therefore, keep us from the evil one even as we embark on Your mission of reconciling the world to You through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.