KACS Radio Network

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel (Genesis 3:15).

Our text for New Year's Day is appropriate, for it is the first promise of God to fallen men. It is the first revelation of God's covenant of grace, the first gospel sermon, the first prophecy of redemption. It is the first promise of our Lord Jesus Christ to every believer—not only of a Saviour, but also of a Lord. When He was bruised at His crucifixion, the power of the serpent seemed supreme, but our Saviour said: "Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me" (John 12:31, 32).

Terrible was the bruising that our Lord endured, but even in the hour of apparent defeat He was victor. Soon the promise and prophecy of Genesis 3:15 will meet its complete fulfillment at our Lord's second coming and the final judgment.

During the year that we enter today we may suffer much from the serpent and his seed, but we are not to despair. Jesus our Saviour is our defender. We may be happy, too, as we trust in His strength. The psalmist exhorts, "Let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them" (Psalms 5:11).

We may be wounded at times and limp in our afflictions, but our Lord has set His foot on the serpent's head, and by faith we may have victory here and now, and at last reign with Christ Jesus, the Seed of the woman.

• Have faith in God, and in the virgin's Seed;


• Have faith in God, His promise meets our need;


• Have faith in God, from sin and Satan freed;


• Have faith, dear friend, in God.

MEDITATION PRAYER: "Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies' sake" (Psalms 44:26).