The Enemy Is Coming

Hold fast to the cross.

Christian talk can sound flat sometimes. To a person who doesn’t know what was accomplished on the cross, “holding fast” to it must sound trite. To even a Christian who has not yet fathomed the power that Jesus transferred to her by His sacrifice and resurrection, “the cross” may be abstract and abstruse. If I don’t understand the power in the cross, I stand powerless in the face of the enemy. He approaches. He is coming, but God has provided me with the authority to throw him down where he belongs. 

I remember being bullied in second grade. There was a boy who followed me around the playground kicking my legs and calling me “four-eyes”.  I must have complained about him a lot because one day my mother told me to stand up to him and, if necessary, kick him back. Something happened inside me when I knew that I could act in my own defense and with the authority of my mother. Even though it was just little me against the big boy on that playground, I wasn’t vulnerable any longer. I had my mom’s say-so. 

That boy was no devil and my mom is not my holy Lord God Almighty, but I do remember that lesson: I am not in this life to be victimized, I am loved and I am protected. My parents and my Father God will not leave me defenseless. I have authority to cast off the one who offends and violates in hatred for God and His creation. 

Hold fast to the authority of the cross

 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.  Titus 2:11-12