From Satan’s Power…

Devotional Thoughts from God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen…

4 Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart. ² But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. ³ And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. ⁴ In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. ⁵ For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. ⁶ For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 

2 Corinthians 4:1-6 ESV

The apostle Paul says if our gospel is not able to be seen, or is hid, or is veiled, this is the result of Satan causing blindness to the “eyes of the heart.” This is part of Satan’s power over the human race. This blindness is natural to all humanity; since the fall, we are born into this world spiritually blind. Satan’s lie to Eve was that her eyes would be opened if and when she rebelled against God, but it was through our first parents’ willful rebellion that Satan gained his power over our fallen race and we became naturally and willfully blind to the glory of God.

God promised Adam and Eve a son who would eventually destroy that wicked serpent. That promise of a son to bless all nations of the earth, delivering them from Satan’s power, was later made to Abraham. God’s promise of a Son to rule God’s people forever, delivering them from Satan’s power, was given to David and through other OT prophets. That Son, Jesus, was eventually given through the virgin Mary’s womb. Jesus’ mission was stated by the Apostle John as, “the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” How was this destruction accomplished? Jesus triumphed over Satan through His sacrificial death upon the cross.

So then, if the gospel is “hid” from us naturally, then how can we see it and be saved? Paul declares that God is able to make spiritually blind people see and the power of Satan is completely unable to stop the Creator. This miracle of sight is like the original creation of light. To make a spiritually blind person see is for God to command “Let there be light!” In this creative act, God makes people see His own glory in the face of Jesus Christ. This is why Paul says, “We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord.” It is the preaching of Jesus alone that God uses to open these naturally blind eyes. Praise God, I once was blind but now I see.

Hymn Lyrics…

1 God rest you merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay; remember Christ, our Savior was born on Christmas Day to save us all from Satan’s pow’r when we were gone astray.

Refrain:
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

2 From God our heav’nly Father a blessed angel came and unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same, how that in Bethlehem was born the son of God by name.

Refrain:
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

3 “Fear not,” then said the angel, “let nothing you affright; this day is born a Savior, the true and radiant light, to free all those who trust in him from Satan’s pow’r and might.”

Refrain:
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.

4 Now to the Lord sing praises, all you within this place, and in true love and fellowship each other now embrace; this holy tide of Christmas is filled with heav’nly grace.

Refrain:
O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy,
O tidings of comfort and joy.