now is the time
"After this, the dragon is to be released for a short time." —Revelation 20:3
Jesus is stronger than the strong man, Satan (Lk 11:21-22). By His death and resurrection, Jesus has defeated, despoiled, and disarmed Satan (Lk 11:22). He has destroyed the devil's works (1 Jn 3:8). Jesus inaugurated the millennium by His victory over Satan. The millennium is the history of the Church during which time Satan is chained (Rv 20:2) and we as members of the Church have authority over him (Mt 10:1). Although Satan can still harm us if we fall for his temptations, we have the freedom to build God's kingdom and can do greater things than Jesus did (Jn 14:12).
Therefore, with Jesus we say: "We must do the deeds of Him Who sent Me while it is day. The night comes on when no one can work" (Jn 9:4). Now the door of opportunity is open. Now is the season of freedom, power, and mercy. "After this, the dragon is to be released for a short time" (Rv 20:3). With the devil unleashed (2 Thes 2:7), doors will be slammed shut, the cold will set in (see Mt 24:12), and days of darkness will deepen. Therefore, "give glory to the Lord, your God, before it grows dark; before your feet stumble on darkening mountains; before the light you look for turns to darkness, changes into black clouds" (Jer 13:16). We are in the millennium of opportunity. "The light is among you only a little longer. Walk while you still have it" (Jn 12:35).
Prayer: Father, may I take every opportunity to further Your kingdom (see Eph 5:16).
Promise: "The heavens and the earth will pass away, but My words will not pass." —Lk 21:33
Praise: Ron was ashamed to praise the Lord publicly. One day, while shaving, the Lord gently told Ron that he was afraid to yield control of his life to God. Ron abandoned himself to Jesus, and within a week, he received the gift of praising God in tongues.
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The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, April 4, 1998
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 8, 1998