A Broken Promise?

Sometimes we read scriptural promises that we know aren’t true. Our reality doesn’t seem to match the reality of the Bible.

How are we to understand this?

In today’s reading, we hear Jesus promise that “nothing shall harm you.”

But, we know that if we get bitten by a poisonous snack, we could die. So, what’s going on?

At this point in Luke, Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem to die on the cross.

This is the great battle. This is the showdown between God and Satan.

And, we know how it turns out. Christ is crucified and Satan is trampled underfoot.

This event, which we expected at the end of time, has happened in time—2,000 years ago.

Now, we live in a time of now-but-not-yet. We know the final outcome, but Satan is still trying to win just a few more battles.

But, we can’t let that discourage us.

No matter how many battles it may seem Satan is winning, ultimately God wins the war.

In the end, Satan can’t actually hurt us.

However, our final hope isn’t in Christ’s victory over Satan, though that isn’t nothing. Instead, we should rejoice that our names are “inscribed in the heavens.”

Our true happiness is the unshakable assurance of being loved by God.

What could more important than that? 

The Reading

Look: I have given you the power to tread upon snakes and scorpions, and on all the power of the enemy, and nothing at all shall harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names have been inscribed in the heavens.” In that same hour he became exultant in the Spirit, the Holy One, and said, “I praise you, Lord, because you concealed these things from the wise and clever, and revealed them to infants; yes, Father, because such was pleasing before you. (Luke 10:19-21)