The Stronger Man

I wasn't familiar with this parable so it was cool to learn about! I love that Jesus refers to himself as the stronger man who has tied up the strong man and is plundering his house. It's just such a cool metaphor for Jesus defeating Satan. Like he doesn't just defeat Satan and leave- he TIES HIM UP and ROBS his house!! Cue the Mission Impossible theme song.

I really liked at the end of the sermon was DJ was listing a bunch of results of sin and he was proclaiming Jesus' authority over them. I imagined Jesus proclaiming authority over the virus as well. It's so easy for me to feel alone, depressed, and frustrated with the virus and being confined to my house, but Jesus says "In this world you will have trouble but take heart, I have overcome the world!" Jesus is reminding me to find peace and hope in him during this time and to trust that he is bigger than any virus- he's ALREADY overcome death itself! The virus may not magically disappear, but Jesus has the power to heal and to comfort me when I'm lonely or anxious. I can remember that ultimately there is nothing to fear when I have Jesus on my side, because He's already taken out Public Enemy #1.

Jesus, thank you that you are a God who comforts! Help me to hand over my anxious thoughts to you and to receive your peace. Help me to remember that you are in control, even when I can't see it. And thank you for giving yourself up for me on the cross, binding Satan while setting me free! I love you. Amen.

Mission accomplished.