Year of the Bible: Part Nine of Twelve预览

Even Demons Know that Jesus is the Son of God

We live in a spiritual world. The book of beginnings, Genesis, is more than a history of God and humankind. It is also a history of God and spiritual beings. Much of this history is confusing and misunderstood. Therefore, much of our Christian doctrine glosses over the complex parts of who spiritual beings are, how they come to be, and their purpose.

Here are the facts: First, humankind was created in God's image to bear His image to the world, to populate the world with children (who would also bear His image), and to subdue the world under God's kingship. Second, there are spiritual beings created by God, and some chose to exercise their free will and rebel against God's rule.

This rebellion played out in the Garden of Eden when the serpent lied to Adam and Eve, tempting them to be like God—apart from His plan for them. Throughout much of the Old Testament, these spiritual beings showed up again: in Job, in the Psalms, and at the tower of Babel, and often tempted Israel to worship them instead of Yahweh. Even today, these rebellious spiritual beings attempt to prevent the bearers of God’s image from enjoying their eternal relationship with God.

When Jesus came into God's plan to restore the broken relationship between humans and God, the spiritual realm was aware that Jesus was God in the flesh. Their attempts to stop God's message and hinder Jesus' mission was something Jesus would not allow. Everywhere Jesus went, He commanded that the demonic forces give way to the will of God and be silent.

Jesus alone has defeated the death, disease, and torments that sin unleashed on humans. Jesus will heal, forgive, and deliver any and all who come to Him.

Question: Do you believe what this devotional says about spiritual beings and Jesus' ultimate authority? If not, why not? Read the scriptures with particular attention to the directions Jesus and the New Testament writers give concerning how to deal with the spiritual enemies of God.

Prayer: Father, open my eyes and heart to understand how You would have me think about and confront Your spiritual enemies. Show me where Jesus secured my victory over all the powers of darkness. Thank you that I have nothing to fear from the defeated foe of God.