Christian Badges

Since the children share in blood and flesh, Jesus likewise shared in them, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the Devil, and free those who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their life. 

Surely he did not help angels but rather the descendants of Abraham; therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested. (Hebrews 2:14-18)

There are two questions. Do we really believe: (1) Jesus through his death destroyed the one who has the power of death, that is, the Devil, and (2) Jesus freed us from fear of death – a fear to which we have been slaves throughout our lives?  

Do we believe that the Devil has “power of death” as stated in our reading from Hebrews.  Perhaps the best way to phrase this question is does the Devil have power of death of our soul, not our body?  We rely on Jesus to protect our souls.  

Let’s refer to Pope Francis’ wisdom and guidance.  He said on June 15, 2014: “We also recognize in the Trinity the model for the Church in which we are called to love each other as Jesus loved us. And love is the concrete sign that demonstrates faith in God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  And love is the badge of the Christian, as Jesus told us: ‘By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.'  It’s a contradiction to think of Christians who hate.  It’s a contradiction.  And the devil always seeks this: to make us hate, because he is always a troublemaker; he doesn’t know love; God is love!" 

So, love actually has the power over death of our souls.  When we stop loving, we relinquish that power to the Devil.  Furthermore, we are freed from fear of death when we love.  For those who lack love – being loved and/or loving someone – the Devil prowls, smiles, and enslaves especially to sadness, hatred, and violence.  Fending off the Devil requires our wearing our badge of a Christian, that being love and Jesus.

Deacon David Pierce