Reading Passage: Revelation 12: 7-12.
11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” Rev 12:11 ESV
Here, we see Satan, the accuser, in heaven. Like in the case of Job, he might have accused the saints for their past sins or, questioned their integrity, I suppose. They conquered the first accusation by the blood of Jesus. The second one is proved through their word of testimony. “We will not shrink back from following our Master even at the point of death,” they said, and they proved their words true.
Once a king asked a second century saint to give up his faith, or all his wealth would be seized. “You cannot do that O’ King,” said the saint “for all my treasures are in heaven.” “Then I will send you afar.” The king said. “Send me anywhere king, my Jesus will be with me,” said the saint. “Then I will kill you,” screamed the king. “But king, I am a dead man for the last forty years” was the saint’s answer.
Those who do not fear death do not fear anything. They cannot be induced or threatened by anything of this world. No money, no good job, no better living, can tempt you; no excommunication, assault or anything of that kind can frighten you, if you do not love your own life. Paul says: “I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may accomplish my course…” Acts 20:24. cf. Acts 21. 13.
In this case, Satan totally fails in his accusations, and he was driven out from heaven by Michael and his angels. However, it is not the power of the Archangel, but the blood of the lamb and the word of testimony that made the victory possible. Yes! If the saints loved their lives more than their devotion to their Master, the Archangel could never drive Satan away. When we do not love anything, even our lives, more than Jesus, we conquer Satan.
Prayer: Lord I understand that my love for my life is a snare. I want to defeat Satan with my confession that I do not love my life. Let what come may, I will follow you, my master. AMEN
Further reading: Acts 20. 22-24; Luke 9.23-27; Acts 15.26
