13 May When you know the outcome…
Quickly before I head over to the Kooringal Hotel for our Living Water Family Dinner Out…
Years ago I knew someone who would always read the last chapter of a novel first. I told them that was cheating. You can’t know the outcome before you know the story! The author wrote the story the way you’re supposed to read it from beginning to end, not the other way around!
Their answer was always the same… “If I know how the story finishes, I know how to read the story & pay attention to only the parts that are important. I don’t want to get lost in one character or subplot if they’re not critical to the end. It helps me stay focused & on track.” I still thought it was cheating…but I also knew they had a point. Authors often add characters or plot twists & sometimes the craft of writing can get in the way of really enjoying a story.
That friendly debate came back to me this week when I read the last chapter of Romans…Romans 16. At the very end, Romans 16:20 Paul writes, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” In all of the preceding 15 chapters Satan rates nary a mention, but here, the one sentence we do get gets straight to the point: Satan will be crushed by God’s power under our feet. As Luther wrote in his majestic A Mighty Fortress, “The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him; his rage we can endure, for lo! his doom is sure…” Or as John writes in his first letter, “But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.” – 1 John 3:8
It’s never been in doubt, but the uncertainties & tumult of this world can often become a fear-filled distraction from our obedient living as Jesus in this world & sharing our hope in him with everyone we know. Don’t get distracted by the world’s troubles. You know the end of the story. First, Christ is risen & has overthrown all hell & Satan himself along with sin & the grave. Second, as you live in Christ now & he lives in you by his Holy Spirit, Satan has no claim on you or power over you. Finally, we know that on the last day the lake of fire awaits Satan & his minions, while we will “dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” His doom is sure…we don’t have to get distracted or fearful…Jesus has won & that’s the plot to follow & live every day.
Now…in the days ahead…
- Zoom Bible Study Catch-up
Friday – 16th May 2025 @ 1:00p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting — https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89674789066 — Meeting ID: 896 7478 9066
- This Sunday, 18th May is a Morning Tea Sunday. You know what to do!
- Thank you! Your financial support for Church Missionary Society (our Jess in the Middle East) is tremendously generous & extremely crucial for the gospel to reach those who do not yet know Jesus. Thank you! Our next Giving Beyond Ourselves is 1st June for the Cancer Council at our Biggest Morning Tea!
- LWF Prayer Morning – Saturday 24th May @ the Prenzler’s Home starting @ 10:00 a.m. The kettle will be on & the prayers will be many!
Looking forward to seeing you tonight & then again throughout the week somewhere…especially in worship!
Peace
John
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