Reading: Genesis 3:15

In previous studies we have noted two of the great struggles between Satan and humanity: the struggle with the individual and the universal struggle, the kingdom of Satan against the kingdom of God. In both of these Satan is defeated; he will “eat the dust.” But how is this defeat going to be accomplished? This question brings us to the central truth of the verse. The fatal blow of destruction will be delivered by Christ. In cursing Satan to everlasting destruction He reverses the curse of death for all who trust in Him. He is the Saviour.

The individual believer, and the church (the seed of the woman) now disappear from the conquest and one seed stands head to head with Satan. It is this seed, this person who is going to be born out of humanity, that our attention is drawn to. He represents His people, fights for them, and delivers them.

Both would be “bruised.” The contrast is not in manner of suffering, or intensity, but in the extent of suffering: one in the heel (a non-fatal wound) and the other in the head (fatal). The sufferings of Christ are like a wounded heel in contrast to a wounded head. The wound of Christ, although intense, would be temporary, but the head of the kingdom of sin would be defeated, crushed under His heel.

I am no match for the devil, nor is the whole body of saints. But we have One, the God-Man who stood between us and our greatest enemy to destroy him and redeem us. “This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4). Will I obtain victory today over sin and temptation? Only in Christ.

The Son of God goes forth to war,
A kingly crown to gain;
His blood-red banner streams afar:
Who follows in His train?
Who best can drink his cup of woe,
Triumphant over pain,
Who patient bears his cross below,
He follows in His train. Reginald Heber

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