| Armed and Dangerous- article by Joel Hempel
Armed and dangerous is often part of the description given to someone who has committed a violent crime and is on the run from the law. Recently, the media has also used it to describe some of the people who stormed the capitol on January 6. But armed and dangerous could absolutely be used to describe Satan.
The Devil, Satan, the Evil One – however you want to name him – is the enemy of God and every Christian or person who wants to do the right thing.
Armed with every trick known and unknown to man, Evil Personified seeks to weasel his way into our lives and minds with the sole intent to corrupt, disrupt and destroy peace and well-being granted by our gracious and loving God. Not even for a second should we honor Satan with our attention or curiosity.
The original Deception constantly manipulates the truth. When we become aware of the Lier in our life, one way to temporarily defeat him is to demand: In the name of Jesus, get out of my head! It is said that Luther once threw a container of ink at the Tormentor. Although we may not want to be that dramatic – or make that kind of mess we have to clean up – when we are tempted to violate God’s will, a firm command directing Satan where to go is not a bad idea.
Make no mistake; Satan is armed and exceedingly dangerous. He will hurt you!
In Sunday’s sermon, Seminarian Johnathan encouraged us to be the “light of the world in our different vocations” to love, serve, forgive, and resist the Evil One. If we do that, if we intentionally work at bearing the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23), Satan will attack if we risk bringing attention to Jesus and the Gospel. When that happens, what is a Christian to do?
It could also be said – because it is true – we Christians are armed and dangerous. We are armed with the Word of God and the love of Jesus, which makes us dangerous to the workings of the Evil One. When we feel under attack spiritually, emotionally, psychologically, or even physically, draw the weapon Jesus used to ward off Satan. Draw from your sheath the Word of God.
The Word of God is “sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12).” Rely on your “shield of faith,” and trust the “sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (Ephesians 6:11-17). It’s not magic. It is the power of God! | 
