Matins Devotion: June 19, 2024

John 18:1-14

When Jesus identifies Himself to the band of men who have come to arrest Him, why do they draw back and fall to the ground? It’s a rather strange reaction. They’re armed. He’s not. They didn’t come out looking for Little Red Riding Hood then run into the Big Bad Wolf. So why do they fall down in fear when they find exactly what they’re looking for?

Why? Because the name of Jesus has power, even when Jesus refuses to use that power. Every knee shall bow before the awesome might of the Son of God, even when His awesome might remains sheathed. To put it rather simply, the men who want to see Jesus put to death still fall down before Him because Jesus wants them to know “this is only happening because I’m letting it happen. You have no more power over me than I permit you to have. Gather all the clubs and swords you want. I could incinerate all of you right now with the very breath from my lips. But I won’t because I haven’t come to destroy you. I’ve come to save you.”

And the name of Jesus still has that same power today, even if it’s His will for you to endure the sufferings and persecutions of this world. So keep the name of Jesus upon your lips. Even if people mock you for it, even if Satan tears your heart apart while you cling to it, don’t be afraid. Satan can only devour as much as God permits him to. And there is nothing Satan can take away from you that your Savior can’t repay double. So keep praying, keep praising, keep clinging to the promises of the Lord who let Himself be betrayed, crucified, and killed in order to destroy your sins upon the cross and give you eternal life in His resurrection. Keep the name of Jesus on your lips and He will bring you safely to the day when every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.