This image of power over natural enemies reappears in the New Testament, only this time the reference is to Satan and his powers: “I have given you (his disciples) authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you’ (Luke 10:19). Having just sent the twelve out on missions to the towns nearby, he now reports to them triumphantly “I saw Satan fall like lightening from Heaven” (vs. 18). Presumably, having this same authority as His modern-day disciples, are we not expected to use it? How may it apply to the present-day lockdown?
The Covid 19 virus has no doubt a natural origin. But given the opportunity it affords to our supernatural enemies in the spirit world to add larger calamities than the flu itself, we must be on the lookout when they come knocking. How many of our fears and anxieties are being inflamed by influences at work on our psyche? How many chinks in our armour are being exploited? While compacted together as we are, the normal tensions of family rivalries have an extended opportunity to work away at our peace and wellbeing. Our Prime Minister, bless her, has made a point of promoting “kindness” in all her speeches, as a vital reminder to put aside our selfish tendencies during this time of lockdown. Resisting the devil is work enough when there is nothing much otherwise to do.
When Christians are put on the spot to defend their faith, it is unlikely that they will mention their authority to trample down the works of Satan. Perhaps it is because they have limited experience, if any, of engaging with a supernatural enemy. But Jesus tells us that we can (Luke 10;19) and so we must. In our huddles and bubbles we will surely be targets, but we know our best defence: “Submit to God, resist the Devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). No better time than now to use this authority to put protection in place over our families.
The Covid 19 virus has no doubt a natural origin. But given the opportunity it affords to our supernatural enemies in the spirit world to add larger calamities than the flu itself, we must be on the lookout when they come knocking. How many of our fears and anxieties are being inflamed by influences at work on our psyche? How many chinks in our armour are being exploited? While compacted together as we are, the normal tensions of family rivalries have an extended opportunity to work away at our peace and wellbeing. Our Prime Minister, bless her, has made a point of promoting “kindness” in all her speeches, as a vital reminder to put aside our selfish tendencies during this time of lockdown. Resisting the devil is work enough when there is nothing much otherwise to do.
When Christians are put on the spot to defend their faith, it is unlikely that they will mention their authority to trample down the works of Satan. Perhaps it is because they have limited experience, if any, of engaging with a supernatural enemy. But Jesus tells us that we can (Luke 10;19) and so we must. In our huddles and bubbles we will surely be targets, but we know our best defence: “Submit to God, resist the Devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). No better time than now to use this authority to put protection in place over our families.
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