No Ifs, Ands, or Buts

This week, I’m reflecting on the “war in heaven” — that mysterious battle between Michael and his angels and the dragon and his own. We may not understand how angels fight, but we know the outcome: the good prevailed. Yet the defeated enemy now rages on earth, turning his attacks toward us, using not swords but words — sowing doubt, twisting truth, and tempting us with his favorite word: “but.” Still, we are not defenseless. God’s Word and the blood of the Lamb are our weapons; His Word cuts through deception, and His Sacraments heal and strengthen us for the fight. Though we may not see the struggle, it is real — and the victory is already won. Our names are written in heaven, not by our strength, but by Christ’s blood, shed on the cross. The angels fought in heaven, but Jesus won the greater war — for us.