I imagine most of us have seen ‘the shell game’ at some point. This is where there are 3 walnut shells and one of them has a pea hidden inside (sometimes the game is played with cups and a ping pong ball). The idea is for the shells to be quickly moved around, and for a player to guess which of the shells the pea is under.
I think Satan might have fallen for a shell game, of sorts. Knowing scripture, the father of lies was aware that Jesus was brought to earth as our Messiah, to save mankind from our sins. Since the devil hates God’s creation, he naturally wanted to thwart God’s plans. When our Saviors flesh shell was nailed to the cross, I imagine Satan was quite pleased with himself – feeling perhaps that he had achieved victory.
But it was only the fleshly shell that was crucified, and killing the body cannot stop the Spirit - the pea of the Spirit was held secure. In fact, what was wrought on that cross became the very opening Jesus needed to destroy Death and the Grave.
We also must take part in the shell game. Our pea – our very souls – must be secure under the shell of Christ by nailing our own sinful, fleshly shell to His cross. But this is no game - it is a matter of life and death. Be covered by the immortal shell of Christ, and unleash His Spirit to work through you!
All who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ (Galatians 3:27)
#LoveMatters