Satan could not stop Jesus from rising from the dead. He cannot chain the Word of God (2 Tm 2:9). However, he has been able to stop many people from believing in the risen Lord and from being witnesses for Him. Satan, the father of lies (Jn 8:44), has done this by purchasing lies, that is, by bribery. When he tried to do this with Jesus, Jesus threw him out (Mt 4:9-10). However, Satan has been more successful with Jesus' followers. Satan purchased at a bargain price Judas' lying kiss by which Judas handed God over for crucifixion (Mt 26:14-15). Satan also bought a whole pack of lies from the soldiers at Jesus' tomb. They pocketed the money and then lied about Jesus' resurrection (Mt 28:15). Throughout history, Satan keeps buying lies and marching out his flunkies to deny Jesus' resurrection. Isn't that what we see in our "culture of death"?
However, there have always been a few people who won't be bought – people who will witness for the risen Christ at any cost. What's your price? Can you be bought? If so, Satan will buy you, your lies, your silence, and your soul. Be willing to give up anything and everything to be a witness for the risen Christ.
| PRAYER: | Father, I serve You, not money (Mt 6:24). |
| PROMISE: | "Do not be afraid! Go and carry the news." –Mt 28:10 |
| PRAISE: | Alleluia! Jesus is risen. He is alive! He lives forever! |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College