Dangerous People
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “They conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they did not love their lives in the face of death.” Revelation 12:11 HCSB
Revelation 12 includes this vivid imagery of a battle in heaven in which Satan (the dragon) and his angels are thrown down to the earth. We find these insightful words about Satan’s work, “…the one who deceives the whole world…. the accuser of our brothers has been thrown out: the one who accuses them before our God day and night.” (Revelation 12:9,10 HCSB) Then we read that Satan’s days and work are limited, “…he knows he has a short time.” (Revelation 12:12 HCSB)
As a result of Satan being “thrown from heaven to earth” we read this profound declaration, “The salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Messiah have now come…” (Revelation 12:10 HCSB)
This declaration of victory is followed by a demonstration of victory. They [God’s people] conquered him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they did not love their lives in the face of death.”
The power and authority of the believer comes from the victory of Christ over sin on the cross and over death through the resurrection. It is the “blood of Christ” that provides triumph over all of Satan’s devices. That is not just a statement of “spiritual warfare” but one that points to the fact that Christ’s forgiveness and gift of life reverses Satan’s death and destruction.
God’s people are powerful people, they are dangerous people when they understand the spiritual authority that is ours through the blood of Christ. They are dangerous people when they are faithful to proclaim their testimony of faith. It is the simple, “I once was blind but now I see.” “I was in darkness, but now I am a child of the light.” “I was ‘dead in sin’ but now I am alive in Christ.”
God’s people are dangerous people when they are freed from the “fear of death.” Hebrews declares of Jesus work, “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, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”  (Hebrews 2:14,15 NIV)
The greatest threat that can be made to someone is to “take their life.” But when the fear of death is removed, it provides a confidence, a boldness in living that makes you an overcomer.
Prayer for today… Lord, thank You that through You we are  not overcome, but have the power to be overcomers. Help us to always live for You and to have confidence in the life You have provided and the future You have prepared for those who follow You.