This post was last updated on October 12, 2026

Day 110 (Year 3)

When Facing Satan’s Rampage…

Jesus said to the church of Pergamum, “I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.” (Revelation 2:13 NASB)

The Book of Revelation was written near the end of the first century, a time when many local churches suffered fierce persecution. Although Jesus had already destroyed the devil’s power over the death of believers, Antipas, a faithful witness of the church in Pergamum, was killed. In fact, God permitted his death to test the faith of the remaining Christians, for the death of any faithful believer is precious in His sight. God’s faithful witnesses can bring help to others. Indeed, when we turn from the power of Satan to God, its camp will relentlessly pursue and attack, refusing to let us go till the end. This tests our determination and what price we are willing to pay. Revelation says that we must have the determination to trust in Jesus even unto death. We also rely on His help through His blood and bearing witness to His Word to overcome Satan (Revelation 12:11). Not fearing death and torment is a prerequisite to overcoming every trial.

Jesus has already defeated Satan, yet in certain places it runs rampant and even has its throne, causing some people to live in fear. The scripture begins by stating: God knows all of these. Facing the enemy’s attacks, believers may suffer recurring setbacks and lose heart. Yet the Lord knows all these. This is our source of comfort. When God knows the difficulties His people are in, He often intervenes to help. At least, He grants us endurance and wisdom to face hardships. When the Lord’s witness was killed, it brought sorrow and grief to the remains. In such circumstances, what God values is whether we can still hold fast to His name and practice His words. If we remain faithful to God amid rampant darkness and Satan’s rule, we are praised by Him. The word “hold fast” comes from the Greek krateo, which also means “to obtain, grasp, carefully and faithfully preserve, or remain in place.” We who hold fast to the Lord’s name keep abiding in His thoughts, desires, and delights, unshaken by circumstances, submitting to Him in all things, and bearing witness to His precious holy name to the very end.

Reflection questions:

1) The Lord Jesus knows everything you go through, including your hardships. How do you feel about this?

2) Are you afraid of dying for the Lord? If so, how will you rely on Him to overcome this fear?