"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world" (I John 4:4).

Satan, our enemy, infiltrates better, it seems, if he is not recognized. Two thousand years ago, however, God countered Satan's warfare by sending a team of One--the Redeemer. The devil, having heard long before of Christ's coming and of his own demise (Genesis 3:15), sought in many ways to prevent this from happening. Cain murdered his brother Abel. Pharaoh sought to destroy all the male children in the Nile. Saul sought to kill David, and Haman wanted to murder all Jews.

Despite unbelief in the world and danger, at last the promised Savior came. Exposed in human flesh, Herod tried to kill the Babe. Later, some tried to thrust Him over a cliff (Luke 4:29); others, to stone Him (John 8:59 and 10:31). The "prince of the power of the air" (Ephesians 2:2) tried to drown Him even in the sea, but the Sovereign of the Universe "rebuked the wind" (Luke 8:24).

Finally, Satan assaulted His faith in Gethsemane (Luke 22:39; see also 4:13 and Hebrews 5:7), but Jesus lived, triumphed, and was prepared and able to die on the Cross, defeating Satan and his works (Colossians 2:15). Despite the most awful moment in history (Matthew 27:46), Christ accomplished His mission (John 19:30), and even conquered death itself.

But never forget that this Satan, who continued to assault the Church, who clutched for the soul of Pilate and Judas--and even Peter's (Luke 22:31), is also after us. He wants to draw us away by temptation or by whatever means. If one is a believer, then "greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world" (I John 4:4). Thank the Lord for this comforting truth; may we resolve this day to live for Him. PGH