The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

— John 1:5

Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.

— John 12:31

Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil,

— Hebrews 2:14

But he [the dragon] was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.

— Revelation 12:8

2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.

10 And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, into which the beast and the false prophet had already been thrown. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

— Revelation 20:2, 10

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, salvation and joy from Jesus Christ to you.

When we see evil’s pervasive grip on humanity, we feel perplexing. We may ask who ultimately rules the world. How can we reconcile the wickedness in the world with the God of the Bible? Though the Bible clearly reveals God’s absolute authority, almighty power, and sovereign control, yet evil often seems to have the upper hand on earth. Will Satan and his evil forces have their way? Can we trust God’s promises that He will overcome evil? The lens through which we view our world and God greatly affects the way we think, live, and face the future.

As John’s vision continues into Revelation 13, Satan engages two powerful personalities who try to destroy God’s people and defeat God Himself. Satan watched as two evil beasts, one from the sea and one from the earth, bring his fury and deception upon the earth. We, God’s people need both the sobering reality and prevailing encouragement that Revelation offers. While we should not dismiss the vehement hostility of God’s enemies, we are told Satan’s worst devastation will not prevail over God’s purposes. Things may look bleak and hopeless, but take heart! Satan will never defeat God or His eternal plan.