The Son of God was revealed for this purpose: •to destroy the Devil’s works. (1 John 3:8, HCSB)
Do we realize what this Scripture is telling us? Do we understand the reason Jesus came, short and simple, was to destroy the devil’s works? As we look at all He did, we see that in every act, the overarching result was that some aspect of Satan’s work was destroyed. When He healed the sick, raised the dead, and rescued the woman caught in adultery, each act was an overthrow of the result of darkness in their lives.
As I pondered this Scripture recently, I began to realize if we are called to do the same works He did (John 14:12), then every work we do should in some way destroy an aspect of darkness. When we speak words of love we destroy hate. When we give, we destroy lack. When we rescue an orphan or widows we have removed bondage, isolation, and emotional pain from their lives. When we pray with a lost soul, we have helped to lead them out of darkness. When we refuse to return hate for hate, we have shut the mouth of the devil. When we speak up for those who have been shown injustice, we stand for the righteousness of God. So our lives should be a clear reflection of the destruction of the works of the devil.
When Jesus came out of the wilderness, the Scripture tells us He came out filled with the power of Holy Spirit. (Luke 4:14) He then proclaimed what this power was for in Luke 4:18-20:
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free 19 and that •the time of the Lord’s favor has come.*”
- Good news to the poor. You no longer have to be poor.
- Sight to the blind. You can now have revelation of truth.
- Freedom to the captives. You no longer are held captive away from the promises of God for your life.
- Healing to those oppressed and broken. The calamities that have crushed you no longer have an affect on your life. You are healed.
- Favor restored. You are restored to favor and relationship with God.
These are our goals. The same works!
