THE WAR WITH SATAN

"This great dragon – the ancient serpent called the Devil or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world – was thrown down to earth…And when the dragon realized that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the child… the dragon became angry at the woman and he declared war against the rest of her children – all who keep God’s commandments and confess they belong to Jesus." Revelation 12:9, 11,17

Just in case you weren’t sure whether there was a Satan in the world, our scripture for today affirms that there is. You’ll read that he was once in heaven but was cast out after losing a battle with "Michael and the angels under his command." (Revelation 12:7) Once on earth, he (Satan) set his sights on the woman who had given birth to the boy (Jesus) who was snatched from Satan’s attack and taken up into heaven (representative of Jesus’ resurrection).

So Satan not only failed to get his evil hands on the Messiah but he failed to harm his mother as well. That was the good news. The bad news is that he "declared war against the rest of her (the woman’s) children – all who keep God’s commandments and confess they belong to Jesus. Since Satan couldn’t get Jesus Himself, he decided to go after anyone who would believe and trust in Him…His disciples…like us.

Scripture does not invalidate the fact that a battle is in progress on work between Satan and God’s children. It reinforces the fact, particularly in Ephesians, Chapter 6, verses 13 through 18, where we are instructed to wear the full armor of God daily as we walk onto battlefield earth. Unprotected, we will be attacked and fall…victimized by Satan’s schemes and his desire to destroy anything that is of Christ. As we read in 1st Peter, Satan prowls around like a hungry lion waiting for someone to devour. (1st Peter 5:8)

Question: Have you ever felt Satan attacking you and driving you to where he wants to have his way with you? Did you don your full armor for protection or did you enter into battle unprepared?

One final point as we wrap up today’s study with some good news. For you see that Satan will never have victory over Jesus Christ and when Jesus returns, Satan will be destroyed for good once and for all, wiped off the face of the earth along with all those who didn’t lace their hope and trust in Jesus. It’s comforting to know that one who keeps God’s commandments and confesses Jesus will be taken up with Jesus upon his return.

Question: Where do you stand in your relationship with the Father and His only Son Jesus? Would you join Jesus in heaven for eternity or be cast into hell with Satan and all his followers (i.e. anyone not professing Jesus as Savior)?

Won’t you make the choice right now to make Jesus your personal Savior? For He could return anytime and you must be prepared…or your will lose your ticket to eternal life and a chance to be part of the new kingdom. Come to Christ right now and never turn back.

In Christ,

Mark
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