Tuesday, April 03, 2007

In Other Words

"At the heart of the story stands the cross of Christ
where evil did its worst and met its match."


I wonder if he can still see it in his mind's eye. I can just imagine the enemy as he "prowls like a roaring lion" throughout the earth, "seeking those whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8) What a horrible reminder that must be for him as he passes the exact place where the cross stood on that day. Man may not be able to pinpoint exactly where it was, or may have to rely on tradition as to it's precise spot, but make no mistake- Satan knows. I wonder if he avoids that particular location (for he is not omni-present). Or maybe he goes back there to get "re-inspired" when he gets tired (for though he is powerful, he's not all-powerful). How it must continue to mock him. After all, he was "made a public spectacle" there that day. (Colossians 2:15)

You see, he gave it all he had. He used his best ammo. And for a brief moment, he must have thought it worked. How me must have listened with glee, almost giddily, when Jesus cried out to His Father Who had forsaken Him. He probably had a host of demons high-fiving him. Their "victory" (even if it was in their own minds) was short-lived. And praise God, Christ's victory is eternal. And so is ours if we are in Christ. We'll never have a day as bad as Christ's was that day and by His grace we'll never have an eternity as tormented as what is in store for the enemy.

They both gave all they had that day, and only One came forth the victor. I'd say Satan met more than his match when he pitted himself against the Son of God. So, what does that say about his chances against God's children? I must remember Whose child I am, and the victory that was won for God's glory and on my behalf. Evil can try to have its way in my life, but... it's met it's match because of Who dwells in me.

By God's grace and mercy, the cross is at the heart of my story. I pray it's at the heart of your story as well.



Iris is our gracious host this week. Visit her at Sting My Heart to read more views on this week's quote, or to post your own. Thanks, Iris!

16 comments:

Crystal said...

Thank you for sharing...what an inspiration.....
Blessings

Denise said...

Really enjoyed this post, blessings to you.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ said...

Thank you for sharing so beautifully. I am thankful for the evil that was taken cared of at that cross, and a Savior who sacrificed Himself.

http://joyinthemorning.clubmom.com/

eph2810 said...

Oh, Cyndi what a beautiful reflection on this week's quote :)...
They both gave all they had that day, and only One came forth the victor.
I am so glad that He was victorious on our behalf. Just as you, I have to remember Whose child I am...

Blessings on your holy week and always.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the inspiring post Cyndi! Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Lori said...

it's met it's match because of Who dwells in me.

Oh AMEN. I love this sentence. Excellent post. I would think he would ignor the place, pretend it did not exist ;))

Joyful Days said...

What a perfect post. Thank you, I was blessed by this.

Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

'High-fiving' demons is an image I've had in my mind before also.....Like when I've really messed up and I know every demon in hell must be rejoicing over my stupidity...I love the imagery you've painted and always enjoy your thought provoking posts!!

Heather Smith said...

I'm glad I know that ONE who came forth victorious! And I'm glad that through Him I never have to face eternal defeat!

Tracey, in MI said...

WHat a great perspective-----terrific post- well said.

Linda said...

You paint a wonderful picture with your words Cyndi. Praise God for the victory that He not only won that day, but that He has indeed given to us. We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us.

Crystal said...

Christ's victory is eternal indeed!

Beautiful post, thanks so much for sharing.

Chris @ Come to the Table said...

Yesterday, I did not have time to read all the great In "Other" Words posts.

Cyndi,
I agree with Linda, you paint such beautiful pictures with your words. You encourage me, you make think, you challenge me to look deeper. Thank you!

Kelly said...

Praise Him for giving us victory that we could not obtain on our own! I am challenged to keep my eyes on the cross.

Janis Rodgers said...

What a wonderful post! I am sure that he thought that he had won, for just a minute. I am so glad that he didn't, though! God was victorious! Blessings to you, Cyndi!

Cyndee@Riezzee's Place said...

I was a mime in a church organization and we portrayed Satan as being very happy and satisfied as Jesus died on the cross. That visual came to mind as I read your post about how Satan and his minions felt on Good Friday. Thanks for sharing.