1 Peter 3:18-20

 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. – 1 Peter 3:18-20

Dear Jesus,

This is one of the most difficult passages to understand in the entire Bible.  The first is beautiful and faith building.  You died for me and rose again to declare me forgiven.  I love you for that.  But the next verse about you preaching to spirits in prison from Noah’s flood, that verse is a mental challenge.  I believe those who tell me you went to hell to proclaim the victory over Satan and unrepentant evil people.  I believe that you celebrated in front of them that the death the demons caused was actually the very act that saved all people.  I believe you love it when I rejoice in your victory too.  Help me to go through today with a celebratory smile knowing that you have defeated the devil’s schemes to take me to hell along with him and the evil people you damned during the flood. Give me spiritual positivity from your resurrection. 

AMEN

Pastor Don Patterson

Since Jesus really has defeated Satan’s biggest plan, don’t fret when Satan wins little battles.