“God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.17 God did not send his Son into the world to condemn its people. He sent him to save them!” Â Â Â John 3:16-17 (CEV)
The Strife is O’er, the Battle Done
by unknown author, 1695, translated by Francis Pott, 1832-1909
The strife is o’er, the battle done;
Now is the Victor’s triumph won;
Now be the song of praise begun.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Death’s mightiest powers have done their worst,
And Jesus hath His foes dispersed;
Let shouts of praise and joy outburst.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
On the third morn He rose again
Glorious in majesty to reign;
Oh, let us swell the joyful strain!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
He closed the yawning gates of hell;
The bars from heaven’s high portals fell.
Let songs of praise His triumph tell.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Lord, by the stripes which wounded Thee.
From death’s dread sting Thy servants free
That we may live and sing to Thee.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
My friend BeckyLynn continues on her journey toward heaven as I am writing this. Yesterday she wrote of her Final Battle and how the enemy, Satan, has tried to send nightmares and other lies to undermine her in attempt to dissuade her that all her sins are forgiven and she will enter into God’s glory very soon. This disgusting bottom-dwelling-scum-eater Satan would also make me forget the truth and desire to punch and stomp on him for attacking this beautiful child of God. And then I remember The Truths of God – and I smile.
We are children of Yahweh. Jesus said, “My mother and my brothers are all those who hear God’s word and obey it.†Luke 8:21 (NLT) I am not a stepchild or grandchild of God. I am His child. I am a sister of Jesus Christ. And that makes Satan crazy! He has been thrown out of God’s Kingdom. He has no standing. He will never be reinstated or readmitted. I was bought with the ultimate price. There is no greater price that God could pay. There is nothing more to be paid. The perfect sacrifice is done and I have chosen Jesus who told me that I can never be taken out of the Father’s hand (John 10:28-30).
We battle, not like the world, but like spiritual warriors in a spiritual combat. The name of Jesus alone is so powerful that all, everyone and everything, must bow down. No exceptions. The Good News of my salvation is made to protect my mind from the lies of Satan. The righteousness of Jesus is like a breastplate over my heart. The truth of God is a belt that holds all that I know together. My relationship with Jesus are the shoes of peace that I walk in through all of this life’s rocky paths. God’s Word is a sword that I swing away like a skilled slugger to shut up Satan’s twisted lies. And God’s gift of faith is the shield that surrounds me every day. Like a well-trained soldier, I must workout every day in study, prayer and worship so I am spiritually fit for whatever battleground I must walk.
This may be Saturday but Sunday morning is coming. I have always had a wonderful video in my mind of Satan and his minions having a great festival and feast that began on Friday night as Jesus laid in the tomb. It continued with its revelry and debauchery throughout Saturday as they shouted and told their stories of how Jesus went on His last journey meekly, said little, and even forgave those who nailed Him to the cross. Oh how they laughed and made fun of our LORD. In the wee hours of Sunday morning, just as the sky begins to lighten, it’s quiet now in Satan’s banquet hall. Everyone is snoring as they sleep off their drunken hours. Satan slumps on a soft, satin-covered couch. And then there is a barely perceptible rumble. Then a little stronger shake and a goblet falls over, spilling its contents. Satan sits straight up with a wild-eye look around the cave. “No. It can’t be!†he whispers. And the whole place begins to shake and break apart. “NO! NO! This isn’t FAIR!â€
Wherever I am, and whatever is going on in my life, it may seem dark like it was on Saturday night – but Sunday is coming! All through Scripture up to and including Revelation 20:13-15 where it describes death and Hades thrown into the lake of fire, the second death, I know that I know who wins the war! I know that I am in the Army of God on the winning side! And that is what makes Satan so crazy because he knows his time is running out.
“Do not be afraid, little flock,†Jesus said, “because the Father is pleased to give you the Kingdom.†   Luke 21:32
Now take a few minutes and read or sing along with the choir. ALLELUIA!
The Strife is O’er sung by The King’s College Choir, Cambridge, England 2011
