Colossians Devotional | The Tyrants, Brought Low by the King
Colossians: Christ Above and Before All
The Glory of God Revealed in Jesus
The Tyrants, Brought Low by the King
“15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” - (Colossians 2:13-14)
The one time and place Satan doesn’t have to lie about you is when he accuses you before God.
All he has to do is open the file cabinets and present the truth about your sin, your guilt, and your shame. He’s a slick attorney, with hordes of demon lackeys as his legal research team. He smirks because he knows he’s got a winning case against you. He knows that God doesn’t like anyone perishing under condemnation (2 Peter 3:9), and now, by God’s own standards, he has to condemn you.
Now, picture Jesus, your attorney, as he stands quietly. “May I approach the bench, Your Honor?” He walks up to his Father’s desk and places his one and only exhibit: three nails and a crown of thorns, all covered in his blood.
“You Honor, the defendant’s plea is entered as not-guilty. Not by way of her sinlessness, but mine. She’s pleaded my mercy. My sufferings on the cross satisfy the Law and my perfection now covers her. That, by your own standards, sets her free.”
Think of Satan’s smirk, wiped off in confused dismay. Sputtering and stumbling over himself. Gawking as the handcuffs drop from your wrists. The courtroom is utter bedlam. Flashbulbs blind him, angelic reporters’ microphones are shoved in his face.
“What do you have to say, Satan? Wasn’t this a closed and shut case, Satan? What went wrong for the prosecution, Evil One? Do you think some added lies would have helped your side out? What will you do with the rest of your accused, Devil? Are you worried more accused will seek Jesus' firm for representation?”
Dear friend, if you are in Christ, the power and authority of Satan, sin, demons, and all of their effects have been disarmed and put to open shame--mockery. Jesus has triumphed over them, satisfying both God’s Law and opening the way for grace.
No longer can we say that Satan made us do anything. No longer are we trapped by our habits or addictions. No longer must we be paralyzed by the shame and humiliation of secret, hidden sin. When the Lord brings these things to light, they become servants to the glory of his forgiveness. We, dear Christians, are the ones who get to point to the cross, where our worst, darkest, and most shameful acts are pinned--and they become Satan’s shame and Christ’s glory...and your joy.
I want you to really meditate on Jesus’ victory over Satan and sin in your life. I want you to spend some time in reflective, thankful prayer over how Jesus has overcome the Evil One on your behalf.
This victory of Jesus’ isn’t just the get-into-Heaven sort. His victory is meant for you here and now, in this life. It’s time to confess and repent of what is hidden and ongoing in your life. Find Jesus’ victory over temptation and sin now. Seek out a pastor, leader, or brother/sister in Christ. Seek gospel recovery today. It’ll be the worst thing about Satan’s day and the best for you and the Lord.