Victory Over The Thief
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. John 10:10-12 (KJV)
John calls satan, the devil, a thief in John 10:10. Then, in John 10:12, he calls him a wolf. A thief is one who comes to scam people out of things that belong to them- in this case, life and life more abundantly. The word devil means slanderer or accuser. Satan means accuser or adversary. We have an enemy who accuses and slanders us to rip us off of life and the things that make for abundant life.
The devil, satan, comes as a wolf. The wolf comes to catch the sheep by scattering them. He does it to devour us. If he can chase us off and can chase us down, he can chew us up, spit us out, and then slurp us up until nothing is left. I know it’s graphic, but that’s what the enemy does; he acts like a wolf.
He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. I John 3:8 (KJV) emphasis mine
Jesus came to give us life and life more abundantly by destroying the works of the devil. He came to undo, out do, and loose the works of the devil’s works against us. He came to do the works of God so that those who believe in Jesus will be saved. Remember: satan came to destroy, but Jesus already destroyed his works by His works at the cross.
The devil steals, but Jesus gives. The devil kills, but Jesus is life and gives life. Satan destroys, but Jesus restores. No matter how hard the enemy tries, he cannot win against God.
With eyes wide open, we must maintain an awareness of the strategies and attacks of the devil. Like a wolf, he comes to catch us unaware and scatter us. But God, delivers us from the traps and snares of the devil (Psalm 91:3). God gathers us close to Himself to love, protect, care for, provide for, and guide.
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; Mark 16:17 (KJV)
We have authority over the devil and his demons in the name of Jesus. When the devil attacks and tries to scatter you, tell him to leave in Jesus’ name. Resist the devil, and he must flee (James 4:7). Then you can live and live abundantly. Jesus came to give us life. Remember, Jesus is life, and He is and has all we need.
