A Battle We Will Win
If you ever doubt that the demonic world exists, don’t. Scripture tells us without a doubt that demons do exist, and they plague mankind. Today’s reading tells us of Jesus casting out demons which made it clear they knew who he was. The first instance happed in the synagogue in Capernaum. The unclean spirit proclaims, “I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” Next, we read of people bringing the sick and the demon possessed to Peter’s house so they could be healed. In this case, we read, “And demons also came out of many, crying, ‘You are the Son of God!’” (verse 41) Satan and his minions know full well that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of God. His embodiment within the flesh of humanity did nothing to confuse these dark and evil spirits. If we think they don’t know who we are, we are fooling ourselves.
We are locked in a spiritual battle, whether we acknowledge it or not. Ephesians 6:10-13 teaches us, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
Our enemy, our true enemy, isn’t our neighbor. It isn’t our boss, our tormentor, or even the army standing against our people. Our enemy is Satan. Our war rages against the forces of evil, but we do not fight blindly or without powerful weapons. Listen to how Paul compares our spiritual tools with that of a well-equipped warrior. “Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; above all taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:14-18) The war will rage until the final battle where Jesus will sit upon the throne forever. How will you fight? Will you crawl through, barely surviving the attacks of Satan, or will you fight back? Arm yourself with the truth of scripture. Shield your heart with God’s strength. War is never easy, but our God is greater than any attack we will face. Remember, when the demons saw Jesus, their first thought was their destruction! Nothing can stand against our God and King.
(Written by Keegan Harkins.)
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