All Saints
Through faith [they] subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again. Hebrews 11:33-35
In the battles and struggles of this life, it matters who is on your side. The Psalmist declared: "The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (Psalm 118:6) The Apostle Paul wrote: "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31) This is the confidence of the saints!
When we consider the lives of believers who have gone before us, we can see just how true this victory is. With the Lord on their side, His saints have won many astounding and unbelievable victories. Abraham defeated Chedorlaomer and his allies with just three hundred eighteen of his servants. The people of Israel conquered the powerful Canaanite nations and inherited the promised land. Daniel was protected by the Lord when he was thrown into the lion’s den. Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael escaped Nebuchadnezzar’s burning furnace without harm. Gideon defeated the Midianite army with only trumpets and lamps. Moses stood before Pharaoh and led Israel out of Egypt. David defeated the mighty Goliath with a sling and a stone. And Elijah brought a woman’s young son back from death.
The same is true for His saints today. He still protects His saints and gives them strength to face the enemy. The enemies that we face are not always physical. Paul wrote: "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh." (2 Corinthians 10:3) God works through His people–you and me–to work righteousness and to obtain His promises. Human odds don’t matter when God is on your side.
Lord, thank You for Your power and protection. Amen.
Amen, Lord Jesus, grant our prayer;
Great Captain, now Your arm make bear,
Fight for us once again!
So shall Your saints and martyrs raise
A mighty chorus to Your praise,
World without end. Amen.
The Lutheran Hymnal 263:4