I had to spend a significant part of Monday repairing damage a thief did to our church mailbox. Someone thought they would make off with money or checks sent to the church. Our Vineland police say that what we experienced is becoming common in our area. While spending valuable time repairing someone’s damage is frustrating, not intentionally seeing and stopping the perp that Jesus called “the thief” has a much higher cost in terms of lives and valuable eternities. Unfortunately, the Thief is much more subtle than a drive-by with a prybar. Perhaps that is why his shenanigans go often unnoticed and largely unresisted by those given the power to do so.
Jesus made some bold claims about this fella (the cosmic Thief). And the good news is that Jesus was there to see the Thief’s fall from heaven and the sad, prideful build-up that made it necessary. When our Savior took on human form, The Thief threw his bitter worst at the unwavering Son of God and, ultimately, had to withdraw in fear from His blazing resurrection authority. The blood of the beloved of heaven was enough to purchase, for those who call on Him, eternal life given as a gift and freedom from the tyranny of the Thief. To top it off, Jesus clearly gave His brothers and sisters the power to tread upon the works of the Thief, stopping him in his tracks.
The apostle Paul said of the Thief, “We are not ignorant of his devices,” which begs the question: “Is it possible that someone is stealing the mail belonging to you, me, our families, or our church?” How might the Thief be taking our provision right under our distracted attention? Is he breaking into your and my protected spaces with accusations, fiery darts, intimidations, speculations, bitterness, unforgiveness, and the like?
Let’s engage in the spiritual fight as Paul laid it out in his letter to the Ephesians. Look for the Thief’s smudgy fingerprints around you and your loved ones; be on guard and call it out with the authority of the Word of God and our testimonies.
We have mighty tools at our individual and corporate disposal. Let’s care about destroying the works of the evil one. Our commander certainly is on the job to guide us to victory. Stand fast and stand your ground wherever and whenever the Holy Spirit shows you where the Thief is killing life, stealing destinies and provisions, and attempting to tear down the works of Father’s kingdom all around.
—George Davis
