It’s time for the power of darkness to reign. We have been talking about evil and how Satan has been in control here. God has allowed it all because it must happen for Jesus to be killed. For as popular as Jesus has been, it would be hard to imagine the people turning on him like they did in such a short period of time. As we know, Satan is crafty.
Just moments ago, Jesus had been praying to his Father. He knew what was coming. Did he know it would be this night? Did he ever dream they would come with swords and clubs as if he was going to resist like a criminal? I suppose in their evil filled hearts, they came prepared for the power of God to be unleashed. Yet, what did Jesus do? He healed one more time.
It must have been surreal for the disciples. They had heard Jesus’ predictions, yet what did they really think would happen. They had just been taking a nap. You know how you feel when you first wake up, especially if you are jolted out of a dream. If you’re like me, it takes a moment to adjust and decipher reality from dream state. I’m sure the disciples thought they were still dreaming.
How could their friend, Judas, be part of this? Why would he ever betray Jesus in this way? And, like Jesus, they were probably thinking, why here? Why at night? Why in secret? Out of protection for their friend, they used the sword he told them to have.
We know the leaders were afraid of what the people would do if they took Jesus in broad daylight. If they had arrested Jesus during one of his sermons, what would the people have done? The leaders would never have taken the chance on a riot or uprising. So, the time has come for darkness to reign.
As I write this, we are coming up on Holy Week. I realize that you may be reading this “live” or in the future. Suffice it to say that whether or not you are going to be walking through Holy Week right now or not, the power of darkness at work here will only build until Jesus’ victory is known. We’ll experience that together, too, in the days ahead.
It is good for us to remember Jesus was not immune to evil attacking him. We see how he stood strong, and even healed the man, rather than lashing out in revenge or retreat. How does his behavior help you today?
Take a stand against the evil lurking in your life. You may not feel threatened at the moment, but never ever be left unprepared. We will soon see how the people are going to flip flop from lovers of Jesus to haters and call for his death. We never want to fall prey to that kind of demonic stronghold.
Let’s pray. Father God, I know you had to let Satan have his moment of glory, but I don’t like it at all. I know we are all at risk for evil to control our lives. It seems like there is an epidemic of evil these days. Every news report tells of a shooting or a manipulation of some sort that is robbing us, your children, of joy. Lord I cry out, in your name, and demand Satan to stop in his tracks. He cannot have control of my heart and mind. I want to fill my thoughts with good things, with thoughts of serving others, with thoughts of spreading your love. Those bring peace and joy to my heart, a lilt to my step, and a smile to my face. Lord use me. Protect me and those I love. I look forward to your final victory! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
