steal, slaughter, destroy
"The thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy." —John 10:10
During this Easter season, the risen Jesus is raising millions from the death of sin into the new life of the Spirit. The devil is futilely attempting to defend against God's great resurrection-offensive. He is trying to re-occupy the empty tomb with unrepentant sinners and disbelievers in the risen Christ. Don't let the devil hold you captive in the tomb.
Satan begins by stealing. If you let him, he steals your prayer-time, your faith in God's word, your sexual innocence, and your family life. At this point, you are under great pressure and not in close communication with God.
Satan's next step is to slaughter; that is, kill you. He tries to make you one of the "living dead" (1 Jn 3:14; Rv 3:1) by tempting you to fall into serious sin (1 Jn 5:16). At this point, you must repent or something much worse will befall you (Jn 5:14).
Finally, Satan will destroy you by the second death (Rv 2:11; 20:6, 14; 21:8). You will be damned, forever separated from God (2 Thes 1:9).
Don't let Satan ruin your life and eternity. Accept Jesus as risen Lord and good Shepherd that you "might have life and have it to the full" (Jn 10:10).
Prayer: Jesus, may Satan be a stranger to me whose voice I do not obey (Jn 10:5).
Promise: "As I began to address them the Holy Spirit came upon them, just as It had upon us at the beginning." —Acts 11:15
Praise: St. Pancras was martyred at the age of fourteen. Accused of being a Christian, he believed and therefore spoke of his faith in Jesus, knowing that Jesus would raise him up (see 2 Cor 4:13-14).
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Effects of Sin on audio AV 81-3 or video V-81.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Giles H. Pater, October 17, 2002
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 21, 2002