Scripture Reading: Revelation 20:7-10
Since the beginning of time on this
earth, Satan has been trying to dethrone the God of the universe. He decided in his heart to “make [himself] like
the most High God (Isa 14:14),“ and, as a result he has “fallen from heaven…and
[has been] cast down to the earth (Isa 14:12).” Now relegated to earth, Satan
claims the world as his by conquest. There is some truth to this, in that he won
his position by power and politics, yet “conquest” is actually a misnomer. Satan
presents a counterfeit “deed of gift” from God to claim the earth as his. In a
sense, God did deliver this world to Satan, but not to do whatever he pleases.
The devil is prince of the world, not by the preference of God, but by His
permission. *
·
During
the temptation of Christ, Satan offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if
He would bow down and worship him (see Matthew 4:8-10).
·
On
that first Good Friday, Satan seemed to have victory over Jesus’ life (see John19:30).
·
From
that day until now, Satan continues his rampage against Christ and those who
follow Him – seeking to deceive, defeat, and destroy. “Your adversary, the
devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (I Peter 5:8).”
·
Even
near the end of the world, there was the appearance of victory for Satan and
those he talked into going to war. “They
came up on the broad plain of the earth, surrounding the camp of the saints and
the beloved city (Rev 20:9a).”
Imagine yourself among the
saints. How would you feel? I would be
thinking, “These are impossible odds – we’re done for this time.”
But, guess what? God’s present concession to
Satan’s claim is temporary.* In the end…the King utterly defeats His
adversary: “…and fire came down from heaven and devoured them. And the devil
who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone…and will be
tormented day and night forever and ever (Rev 20:9b-10).” The ultimate, complete and final victory of King
Jesus – and we will be in the victory parade!
May we encourage one another in this
truth when it seems as though Satan will win the day:
This
is my Father’s world; Oh let me not forget
That
though the wrong seems oft so strong,God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world, why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King, let the heavens ring;
God reigns, let the earth be glad! +
*Thoughts in bold gleaned from Daily
Readings from The Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall, edited
by James S Bell. Jr, Moody Publishers Edition, 1994, Readings from March 8, 9
& 10. I discovered this 17th-century
Puritan theologian two years ago and continue to be blown away by his wisdom
and ability to concisely put great truth into few words.
