There was once a war that took place in heaven, where Lucifer and the angels that followed him fought against God and His mighty angels. It was because Satan wanted to be elevated up to be like the Most High that Michael took the charge of sending him and the other wicked angels down to the earth. The devil then made a plan to deceive God’s creation into not believing in God, but follow after the lusts of the flesh. This worked for the majority of humanity, but not those who trusted in the one true God who saves. Because Jesus died, His followers since have overcome the enemy by His blood that was shed on the cross. All this is written in Revelation, chapter 12, starting with verse 9. “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” (Revelation 12:9-12) Jesus has saved me also and I love Him more than anything in this life.
Speaking of the persecution of the Jews and Christ’s Church, we learn that the devil used people throughout the centuries to torture and kill God’s elect. However, Israel and Christ’s Church were not stamped over time, for God preserved their seed. Some people fell over time and lost their faith, but those who love Jesus and keep His commandments stood strong until death. Though Satan warred against Israel and His church, He could not prevail. These verses continue and read, “and when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Revelation 12:13-17) Just know, my friends, that Satan will not win in the end. His persecutions will only rage for a moment in this life, but in the end, He will be thrown into the lake of fire along with his fallen angels/demons. So please consider following Jesus if you are not already. This is unto salvation.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that we will be led by the enemy, but Your hand alone. Lead us all our days through the Holy Spirit. Keep us In Your light that shines brightly in the darkness. I want to follow You and do Your will above all else, but I know that Satan has other plans for my life. Often times during the day and at night I am tempted through lust. This has been difficult to overcome over the years, but with You in my life, I am able to win these battles. And now I have many people who persecute me. They slander my name through their harassing Facebook posts. This has been very disheartening at times, but I have realized that persecution does come in people’s lives who love You, Jesus. You are my King and I worship You. No matter what is offered to me in this life, it is not worth losing my soul over. Living for You is more important than living for the world. Lord, help me. My flesh is weak, but with You in my life, I am strong. Even strong to resist every temptation the devil throws at me. I love Your ways and Your commandments. They draw me nearer to You when I obey. Give me guidance and direction, that I may go through this life with eyes to see and the blinders off. I will listen and obey You when You call me to do things, even though my flesh may try to resist. I love You, Lord. I give You praise and honor, this day and forever. Amen.
