The “First Thing”—the “Thing” the Devil Hates
“I promised you to one husband, to Christ… but I’m afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” 2 Cor.11:2–3
Lord Jesus, two things are undeniably clear in this passage. The first thing, we belong to you… Hallelujah! You redeemed us, and delight in us as your cherished Bride. If this doesn’t enthrall us, we don’t have wet firewood, we have cold hearts.
The second thing, Satan hates the “first thing.” He’ll do anything to diminish, divert, and destroy our relationship in you. He abhors your love for us, and fears our love for you.
Whether through condemnation or persecution, seduction or suffering, making us busy or paralyzing us with fear, his strategy is the same—to steal our hearts away from you. The devil doesn’t care if we admire or appreciate you, as long as you’re not our greatest treasure and deepest delight.
Dear Jesus, wake us from our slumber, lethargy, and way too long naps. Refuel, refire, renew our passion for you. Make your love for us the most compelling and consuming reality in our lives, Jesus. Restore to us the love we had for you as new believers. We were so free and joyful, so at peace and so preoccupied with you. Nothing else really mattered. We want that again.
Thank you for clothing us in the wedding-garment of your righteousness and for loving us as much as you ever will. Thank you for soon returning for us with more joy than we can possibly imagine. Hallelujah and So Very Amen.