Today's Verse: Matthew 12:29

Monday, December 29, 2008

"Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house."
— Matthew 12:29
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jesus is quoting a popular truism in his day, using this "strong man" saying to refer to his own power over the evil one. Satan may be the strong man who has claimed us through our sin, but Jesus broke into the stronghold of the evil one and delivered us to freedom. Jesus is far stronger than evil, death, and hell. Through the cross, our Savior bound the strong man and then robbed him of us! He did this by becoming human and facing death with complete obedience to God. The Lord then rose from the dead, defeating sin, the evil one, death, and hell, giving us new life! Praise God! Jesus broke into the Strong Man's house. He overpowered him and bound him. What did he bring out of the strong man's house? Treasure, of course! And that treasure is us!!

My Prayer...

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for rescuing me from the dominion of darkness and ushering me into your victorious Kingdom of Light accomplished by you, the Son of your love!* Amen.
* From Colossians 1:13-14.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

Jesus has already stolen us away!
Illustration of Matthew 12:29
Inspirational illustration of Matthew 12:29 -- Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house.
Spoken Bindings Are a Weapon Against Enemies
Devo: Spiritual Warfare
"But if I by the Spirit of God cast out demons, then indeed the kingdom of God is come upon you. Or how can anyone enter into the house of the strong...."
Binding the Strong Man
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[Jesus continued his reply to the Pharisees who said his power came from Satan:] "And if I am empowered by Satan, what about your own exorcists? They...."
Isn't Jesus Enough?
Article by Phil Ware
Why do we run after other things to add to Jesus? Phil Ware continues his messages out of Colossians; this one focuses on Jesus being enough and anything added to Him is less.
See All 5 Related Resources about Matthew 12:29

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 12:29 — "Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can rob his house."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, December 29, 2008

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: 2 Timothy 2:11
"Paul has four of these "faithful sayings." The first occurs in 1 Timothy 1:15, "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ...."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Giving Me Victory' (Ps. 118:21)
"I thank you [O Lord] for answering my prayer and giving me victory."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'The Great Protector' (Jn. 17:12)
"[Jesus continued his prayer:] "During my time here, I protected [my disciples] by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'My New Nature Made Alive' (Ep. 4:17-21)
"Dear Father, righteous and holy God, Help me never to be tempted to live as worldly people live: futile in their thinking - darkened in their..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse