7 Then a war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.

8 But the dragon was not strong enough, and no longer was any place found in heaven for him and his angels.

9 And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.

— Revelation 12:7-9

9 “All this I [the devil] will give You,” he said, “if You will fall down and worship me.”

10 “Away from Me, Satan!” Jesus told him. “For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”

— Matthew 4:9-10

So He told them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

— Luke 10:18

I am sending you to them to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’

— Acts 26:17b-18

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and peace from Jesus Christ to you.

Satan should not be dismissed as a comical character or mythical legend. Recognizing the spiritual war waged between God and Satan, good and evil, as well as God’s people and Satan’s allies, helps us understand the rampant evil we observe in this world. However, Satan should not be viewed as an insurmountable foe. God has the power to rescue anyone from Satan’s grip. Jesus did that for all who trust in Him for salvation.

Believers should acknowledge Satan’s attacks and his influence on the world but focus on God and His power. Though Satan remains an adversary for now, God promises His overcoming power to His children. Satan can buffet believers through temptation, trials, and struggles but cannot bring ultimate defeat. God’s children rest eternally safe within His eternal care. As 1 John 4:4 says, “You dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” Satan fights a brutal battle, but, hallelujah, God wins the war.