FROM THE PASTOR’S HEART
OP / ED BY DR. ROBERT KENNEDY
Many people are mystified by the unleashing of the demonic forces seen in today’s world. It is as if there is no restraint. Satan seems to be let loose everywhere, stirring up nature with horrific storms, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes other natural disasters. And unfortunately, he is also creating conditions in the world so that people are killing one another over the lack of natural resources. Nature, it seems, is in rebellion; everything seems to be turned upside down.
In the sociopolitical world, there also seems to be no restraint. Many leaders seem to have no regard for those whom they lead. Some are using their authority without any sense of accountability. Others are leading by propping up their power, sacrificing the lives of their people. Someone said, “It seems God has left the world in Satan’s hands.”
And sometimes, it seems that Satan is dominating the spiritual world and the churches in the same way that he has dominated the natural and sociopolitical world (John 8:44; Colossians 1:13). His work of destruction is seen everywhere, as he allows those who call themselves spiritual and religious to prostitute themselves at every altar, by invoking the name of God. I will not comment here on my observation; it seems obvious enough. If you are observant, you have seen what is taking place among the religious who are casting aside the truths of God and accepting the satanic lies, even denying the existence of Satan.
Yes, I want you to know that, as you are, I am as anxious for the putting down of Satan as well. I want to know how soon God will “bind” Satan in the abyss (abussos) and declare his final destruction (cf Revelation 20:4-6). Just as some of you might be, I, too, am tired of the news of death and destruction that Satan is bringing upon the world.
Although anxious, I rest my case in God with my four great declarations.
- That the power of God supersedes Satan’s power.
- That Jesus Christ has already declared Satan a defeated foe at the cross and through the resurrection.
- That God has already put all things under the feet of Jesus Christ – who is the Victor.
- That the God who has begun a good work in me and will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
What other certainties do I need today? It is imperative to understand that Satan does not have the last word because God’s power supersedes Satan’s. And when God says, “It is finished,” that is it; “It is finished.” God will bring to complete fulfillment that which he has declared. Therefore, we must be careful not to attribute to Satan the mighty power that belongs to God and God alone. Satan is powerful; there is no question about it. But God is all-powerful.
The Bible says the following about the limitations of Satan.
Luke 10:18, 19 – I saw Satan falling from heaven like lightning. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you.
Romans 16:20 – The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
Job 1:12 -Then the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him.” So Satan departed from the presence of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 10:13 – No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
Revelation 12:12 – For this reason, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and the sea because the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time.
James 4:7 – Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
The lyrics of a song from my boyhood days fill my heart with assurance. I quote here one stanza that is truly meaningful.
One sat alone beside the highway begging,
His eyes were blind, the light he could not see.
He clutched his rags and shivered in the shadows
Then Jesus came and bade his darkness flee.
Chorus
When Jesus comes, the tempter’s power is broken;
When Jesus comes, the tears are wiped away,
He takes the gloom and fills the life with glory,
For all is changed when Jesus comes to stay.
What assurance? One day Satan will be bound and destroyed. After that, he will not be around to tempt and destroy anymore. That will be a day of rejoicing.
