“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God—(raise a happy-flag of surrender, live in grateful dependence, collapse on Jesus). Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:6-7
Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word, and thank you for these two verses in James. I’m especially grateful for the image of a “fleeing devil.” I know we can ill afford to be naïve about the schemes of the enemy (2Cor.2:11), and his prowling, devouring plans (1 Pet. 5:8). But by Jesus’ cross and resurrection, devil has been defeated, his works have an expiration date (1Jn.3:8), and he knows his time is short (Rev.12:12). Abba, thank you for this assurance.
So today—in full view on Jesus’ finished work, I join my brothers and sisters in the freedom of humility and grateful submission to you, Father. We give you praise for everything you have done for us in Jesus. Truly, we “collapse on Jesus,” for he is our everything. We have no other boast, confidence, or hope.
Indeed, Lord Jesus, we confess you to be our Prophet, Priest, and King—our “righteousness, holiness and redemption” (1 Cor. 1:30)—our sufficiency, Advocate, and defender. To “put on you” (Rom.13:14) is to wear the whole armor of God (Eph.6:10-18). You aren’t rooting for us from afar, we are rooted in your love (Eph.3:17) and hidden in your life (Col3:3).
Jesus, we will resist the devil’s deceitful and damning ways by looking unto you—availing ourselves of your mercy and your might—your past triumph and current reign—your perfect sacrifice and perpetual intercession. With the eye of faith, we set our gaze on you, Jesus,—the author and perfecter of our faith (Heb. 12:2). Hallelujah, thank you, and So Very Amen.
