Remember the Alamo!

Luke 4:33 – 37 In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an evil spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice, “Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

“Be quiet!” Jesus said sternly. “Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him.

All the people were amazed and said to each other, “What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!” And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area.

This passage reminds me of the story of the Alamo. Okay, yes, I am a Texan. And true, it doesn’t take much to remind a Texan of Texas – we are very proud of our state. But hear me out.

In 1836, Santa Anna decided to take back control of Texas. He took a huge army of men and invaded a little mission called the Alamo. By comparison, there were only a few men inside the Alamo, yet they fought off the Mexican army a first time, then a second time. The third time, Santa Anna’s men scaled the walls of the mission and defeated the men inside.

Now, the thing that always comes to mind when I hear this story is: Why would Santa Anna invade a mission? I thought missions and churches were supposed to be safe places. But then I remember, all’s fair in love and war. The one who is trying to win the war doesn’t care about playing by the rules. He just wants to win.

Satan doesn’t play by the rules, either. There was Jesus, teaching in the synagogue – a holy place, right? If Satan had been minding his manners that day, he would have stayed out. But Satan doesn’t care. He has no manners. He is fighting a war, and yes, he will come right into the church in order to win. He doesn’t play fair.

But I haven’t told you the end of the Alamo story yet. When news spread of the Alamo massacre, Texans became outraged. They joined Sam Houston’s army in record numbers. They had a renewed purpose. As they fought other battles around the state of Texas, one could hear cries of “Remember the Alamo!” The Texans eventually won against Santa Anna, and went on to become the greatest state win freedom. 😉

Sometimes, Satan wins his dirty little battles. But the truth is, he is no match for Christ. James 4:7 tells us to resist the devil and he will flee from us. When we resist Satan in the name of Christ, he and all his demons tuck tail and run! The only reason he wins in so many of our churches is because we don’t resist him. Too often, we just welcome him in, offer him a cup of coffee, and move over so he can have a comfortable seat.

When Satan attacks, we must do exactly what Jesus did on that day. We must tell him to be quiet, and throw him out! Oh, he will keep coming back. But he will never win. He will never win, as long as we remember who we are and Whose we are, and resist the one who wants to destroy us. We must become outraged at Satan’s schemes, and cry out, “Remember the cross!”

And you can rest assured of the outcome, my friends. We will win.

Dear Father, I know You are more powerful than Satan could ever hope to be. Please help me to remember that when Satan attacks. Help me to fight back in Your power.

Amen

13 Responses to Remember the Alamo!

  1. September 29, 2008 #

    Halelujah! He has all power and all authority in heaven, in earth, and in our lives!

    Jean

  2. September 29, 2008 #

    Yes, He does, Jean.

  3. September 29, 2008 #

    Thanks, my dear friend, for the ever-needed reminder that we are in a battle.
    And that the victory is ours – the fight is the Lord’s!
    Love you,
    Jlo

  4. September 29, 2008 #

    Love you too, Judi! I love the way you worded it: “The victory is ours – the fight is the Lord’s.”

  5. September 29, 2008 #

    Great job of making that scripture come alive right where we live, Renae. Thanks for the reminder to be constantly alert to Satan’s schemes!

  6. September 29, 2008 #

    Yes, Cheryl, we always have to be on the look-out, don’t we? He never stops. But at least we know the outcome, don’t we?

  7. September 29, 2008 #

    Dear Renae,
    The evil is there, all of the time. Tempting, ” no need for a long prayer tonight, God knows your needs.” Yeah, but he praying is keeping me is touch with God in a unique way. Evil does not like it.
    “Ho’ow do you know that someone does not steal the money you are giving as a tenth?” I cannot know, but I can obey God’s commands and ask him to bless what I am giving.
    And so on and on and on.
    Did I not have this quell of living water, I would dry out in very short time.
    Thanks for reminding, Renae.
    From Felisol

  8. September 29, 2008 #

    Hi Felisol! It sounds like you’re pretty good at recognizing Satan when he sneaks up – that’s half the battle right there! I love your quote – “Did I not have this quell of living water, I would dry out in very short time.” You are very wise, my friend.

    Sending hugs across the pond to you!

    –r

  9. September 29, 2008 #

    Dear Renae,
    sorry to disappoint you, but I do tell about the times I’ve been tricked of the cruelest of all enemies.
    I have not at all acted wisely, but am a living example of God’s grace and patience.
    Thank you for visiting.
    From Felisol

  10. September 29, 2008 #

    OH, me too, Felisol. I’m afraid I’m a very slow learner. I have to keep learning the same lessons, over and over again. But you’re right. I’m glad, too, that God is so patient.

  11. September 30, 2008 #

    Awesome! I”ll be stompin’ over them thar grounds Thursday . . . I’ll be in TX for the first time in my life!!!!! At the riverwalk and Alamo and all that great stuff, but mostly to be with women from all over the country to worship and spend time with God. I can’t wait!!

    Your dad and family continue to be in my prayers. God loves ya!

  12. September 30, 2008 #

    Cool, Sarah! You will love San Antonio. Be sure and ride the riverboats. And visit the Tower of the Americas if you get a chance. There is so much to do and see in San Antonio. And of course, being with other Christian ladies is always awesome! Let me know about your trip.

    Thanks so much for the prayers. Dad’s surgery is tomorrow.

  13. October 1, 2008 #

    “Remember the cross.” I just love that comparison to “Remember the Alamo!” I want to keep that little phrase right in the front of my head and remember it often.

    (Also love that little smiley-face reminder that Texas is the greatest state! Ha ha, Renae!!)

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