“While I was with you daily in the temple, you did not stretch out your hands against Me, but this hour and the authority of darkness are yours.”
Luke 22:53, LSB
Those who do the work of the devil may not always be aware of the darkness for which they are working. Those arresting Jesus thought they were defending the faith, defending God. The reality is that God doesn’t need our defense. God desires our faith and our obedience to His call. A blasphemer will not be changed because we show offense. Change happens because of how we are changed and how we react. Those arresting Jesus thought this was a victory, but we know the truth. Those who speak against the Christian faith and create chaos may think they have victory in hand, but in a moment, they will find their error. Our Lord doesn’t shy away from the challenges but uses His chosen to be a light to those who walk in darkness. As we walk in faithfulness to our Lord, we will see things in a different light and our hearts will be changed. The offenses we often carry with us will pass away and the battles we believe we must fight will fade. In Christ, we are called to be different and the difference He creates in us will bring us peace.
Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.