DAILY READING
REFLECTION
We Know...
by Beth Voltmann
We know that we are children of God,
and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.
1 John 5:19
We have only to turn on the nightly news to see evidence of the truth that this world is under control of the evil one - the devil – a murderer from the beginning - a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44) – the prince of this world (John 14:30) – the thief who comes only to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10). That’s enough to make our knees knock together and our teeth chatter in fear!
John knew that, even as believers, we can be tempted to sin, discouragement, doubt and fear, so he chose to conclude this letter with these words of encouragement:
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God
so that you may know that you have eternal life.
(1 John 5:13)
It is so vital to our spiritual well-being that we rehearse what we know about God. What is true? Who are we in Christ Jesus? John instructed believers then and now to focus attention on the following:
(v. 18) We know...
Anyone born of God does not continue to sin
The One who was born of God (Jesus) keeps them safe
The evil one cannot harm them
(v. 19) We know...
That we are children of God
That the whole world is under control of the evil one
(v. 20) We know...
That the Son of God has come and has given us understanding
That we may know him who is true
We are in him by being in his Son, Jesus Christ
Whenever sin threatens, doubts surface, or fear takes hold, recite these truths from Scripture and rest in the knowledge that we are safe in the arms of Jesus. Do not be led astray. Do not trust anything or anyone else but Jesus Christ our Lord. He is our Oasis in this dry and parched land where there is no water (Psalm 63:1).
We are his children.
We need not be afraid.
He will never leave us or forsake us.
We know that we know.
PRAYER
Father God, we know you are the true God. Eternal life is ours in Jesus. We stand safe and secure in the midst of a broken world that is lost and confused. Please give us the courage to invite others in – to share what we know – to spread the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ – the hope that we have in the midst of this current evil. Amen.
Good afternoon, Beth. Two observations from your blog. First, thank you for spelling out just who the evil one is and the tools he uses to rob, kill and destroy as many as possible. He is our Enemy and the Triune God is our Protector through application of and obedience to His Word. Second, the way you isolated the "we knows" is creative and brings extra emphasis on our safety from the flaming arrows of the opposition. Isnt't it great to know we have so great a salvation and freedom to live in His will as chosen children of a gracious heavenly Father.
Thank you, Beth and all the writers of our blogs.
ROBIN LORMS