Faithful on Fridays Blog

There’s an invisible battle transpiring every day between Satan and Christ’s body; since he couldn’t devour the Man-child (Jesus) he’s satisfied to substitute the focus of his rage on the Church. Every day he’s in hot pursuit of followers of Christ with relentless strategies of war. Those weapons are usually spiritual, possibly physical, however, they remain as destructive as a missile launched from a mountaintop.

Any ministry that brings people to Christ and teaches them a victorious lifestyle will be a target, unfortunately, many never see it coming: they are unprepared. John’s vision reminds us that the battle is the Lord’s and He’s given us everything we need to walk in His victory (2 Peter 1:3-4) including His power and protection.

The serpent of Gen. 3 remains our enemy but like any snake he’s destined to the dust, ‘under our feet’ while God provides a safe haven for His image-bearers. If you’re living in a nation that’s hostile to Christianity there may be physical persecution, imprisonment, or loss of jobs and homes but we’re reminded:

When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19b NKJV

The Spirit of Christ is ready to step in and swallow up, as these verses picture, any raging rivers of discouragement, hostility, accusation, or deception. These are only a taste of Satan’s weapons but as Aaron’s staff turned into a serpent in front of Pharaoh (Ex. 7 great parallel), swallowing his magician’s staffs we can trust God to accomplish the same victory for us. As that story depicts, His power and authority is superior to Satan’s.

Can you imagine the rage burning in the devil as he strategizes his war plans against those of us who reflect God’s glory? He desired that high place but was demoted to the low place watching as believers experience the love, forgiveness, and empowerment of the Savior he’ll never enjoy. 

Verse 17 decisively shows us who he’s waging war against: the rest of the Woman’s offspring, the Church. This war is the focus of many chapters ahead in Revelation, consequently, we can never forget what Paul teaches:

Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Ephesians 6:11-13 

For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:4 

We stand together unified in the Church, fighting with arms locked, knowing He’s our Champion and He’s in us!