Guarded by Christ

April/The Martyr Life

13 April 2010

May you guard me, Christ, from every disgrace high or low, in answer to my sinless prayer, for the sake of your heroes.

  - Oengus mac Oengobann, Feilire Oengusso (Irish, 9th century)

"But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can someone enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man?"

  - Matthew 12.28, 29

As you study the east face of the Cross of Muiredach, that glorious carving of Christ triumphant, look carefully under Jesus' left foot (you may need to click the enlarge button to see this). It's a length of chain. Jesus has His foot on a length of chain, which, as you trace it downward, you will see is connected to Satan, held at bay at the end of a spear by the angel, Gabriel.

Those who stood before this cross to be taught the martyr's life no doubt would have looked upon this calling with some fear. But they would be reminded that Jesus is their Guard and Keeper; He holds the devil in chains, thus liberating us to join Him in plundering the devil's holdings - souls, time, ideas, cultures, and more.

We may expect to make progress in seeking and advancing the Kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit. Each of us has a calling; each has a Personal Mission Field. If you have not yet identified yours, now is the time to do so; for Jesus has bound the strong man, and He is with us always, even to the end of the age.

What do you expect to achieve in the way of Kingdom progress today? Nothing? Then be sure, this is what you will realize. But if the power at work in us is truly able to do exceeding abundantly more than we have ever dared to ask or think (Eph. 3.20), and if Jesus is our Guard and Leader in advancing His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven, and if we truly believe this, then we must look at this day through different eyes. There are plunder to be seized, grace to be dispensed, truth to be proclaimed and defended, people to be served with the self-denying love of Jesus.

Don't go into this day defeated before you even begin. Go as a martyr - a witness to Christ - in His power and protection, and see what God can do through you.

Today in ReVision: Quails in the Desert?

This Week's Download: Be Witnesses - Here's a thought: make three copies of this brochure, give them to three Christian friends, and meet to discuss them together.

The Hidden Life can guide you deeper into Jesus. Website, Publications, Waxed Tablet, and you can order your copy.

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T. M. Moore, nacurragh@aol.com