Tag: Satan fell like lightning
Lambs among wolves!
Scripture reading for March 17th: Luke 10
Jesus called many disciples to Him and taught them the principles of the kingdom of God. After they had heard and observed His ministry methods, He sent them out two by two to do His work among the lost. “He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.” (Luke 10:2-3) Jesus told them to pray for workers and then in the same breath, sent them out to the harvest field! Prayer and going often go together. We pray to prepare our own hearts to obey and do what we have asked God to do! It has been said that prayer makes us want what God wants!
Jesus sent these workers out as lambs among wolves. The world is a hostile place for the Lord and His followers. Jesus, the Lamb of God, was crucified and nailed to a cross by the wolves! Wolves may even be found among the religious community and God’s people! Lambs follow their Shepherd and obey His voice. So these disciples went urgently and immediately with the blessing of their Shepherd. They were instructed to preach and teach among those who would receive them. When not received, they were to move on to another place. God would judge those who refused their ministry! (Luke 10:12)
The seventy-two joyfully returned from their mission proclaiming that demons were subject to them in Christ’s Name! “He (Jesus) replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” (Luke 10:18-19) These ‘lambs’ had spoiled the wolf’s appetite!
Satan fell like lightning!
Scripture reading for October 23rd: Luke 10-12
The Kingdom of Heaven is in direct opposition to the kingdom of the devil. The devil’s kingdom is one of dominance, manipulation, fear, and deceit. God’s Kingdom is one of love, compassion, faith, and truth. The devil uses sickness, oppression, depression, and poverty to imprison those made in God’s image. God sends His people to heal the sick, deliver the oppressed, preach good news to the depressed and hopeless, and share His great riches with all who will receive! These kingdoms are in a conflict that is raging around the earth.
Jesus sent out seventy-two disciples into this conflict. (Luke 10:1-4) They were not to take a purse, bag, or sandals. They were not to greet anyone on the road because they had a mission. They were armed with His Word and authority and had prayed that the Lord would send out workers. They were to live by faith and trust God for whatever they needed. As they entered a town and were welcomed, they were to speak ‘peace’ to those who dwelt there. They were to heal the sick and tell them about the Kingdom of God. (Luke 10:8-9) If they were not welcomed, they were to shake the dust from their feet and warn the people that the Kingdom of God had come near to them. The dust would be a witness against them on judgment day. (Luke 10:10-12) It was a simple assignment!
As the seventy-two returned to Jesus, they were full of joy! The demons had fled, sick people were healed, and Jesus’ authority had given them victory after victory! Jesus Himself remarked: “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:18-20) Jesus was filled with joy at these disciples’ success, but He cautioned them not to be filled with pride in their authority. Grace is a gift!
Each day we are sent into this conflict. Authority is ours to plunder the enemies’ camp! All power of the enemy can be overcome by faith and the Word of God. We must remain humble and under His authority. Go out with humble boldness today and bring joy to God’s heart!