Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is
not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,
against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil
in the heavenly realm. (NIV)
Throughout the
course of Israel’s history, there were always enemies who despised them as a
nation. The Bible tells story after story of the
Israelites having to do battle against their enemies. Some of this was due to
their own rebellion, but other times, it was due to the devil trying to destroy
the people of God. Such a time as this was after the Jews had been taken
captive by Nebuchadnezzar. Even though the Lord had punished them due to their
disobedience, He still protected them during that time.
The Bible tells
the story of a young maiden whose name was Esther. Due to the death of her
parents, her cousin, Mordecai, raised her as his own. King Xerxes, ruler of
Persia, became displeased with his former wife and banished her from the
kingdom. Therefore, he sought to have a new queen in her place, due to the
suggestion of his advisers. The king sought the land for young beautiful maidens
who could be his new wife. Esther was one of the maidens selected to go before
the king after a year of preparation. She found favor with him and was chosen
to be his new queen. However, not long after that, the enemy sought a way to
try to destroy the children of Israel once again. Many times, the devil will
use people to accomplish his diabolical mission. Nevertheless, God is already
ahead in the game.
Haman, King
Xerxes’ newly promoted official, became annoyed at the thought that Mordecai
would not bow down to him in honor of his newly held position. In order to take
revenge on him, Haman not only decided to plot his destruction, but to trick
the king into killing all of the Jews. Haman erected gallows for Mordecai to
hang from for his defiance. Nonetheless, Mordecai sent word to Queen Esther
that he and her people would die as well as herself unless she intervened. No
one was supposed to go before the king unless called by him, and if done, death
could be the punishment unless the king extended his gold scepter out to the
individual. She would be taking a life-threatening chance, but the risk had to
be taken.
After calling
the Jews to a fast, Esther went before the king and not only was the plot
thwarted, but Haman and his sons hung from the very gallows that he planned for
Mordecai. The dark forces try to destroy everything and everyone whom God
loves, but God is stronger than any demonic force from hell. To this day, the
Jews celebrate Purim every year as a reminder of what God did through Esther in
giving a blow to the dark forces of evil that sought their destruction.
The Apostle
Paul lets us know that we do not fight against flesh and blood, but against
evil dark forces. The devil uses people to carry out his wicked agenda. Nevertheless,
whenever we see evil that takes place in the world, we must remember to look
beyond the person who did it, but the force that is behind it. Only then can we
truly be ready for battle when we know that the individual is just a smoke
screen for the enemy. However, God has given us victory over him. Luke
10:18-19 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning
from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and
to overcome all the power of the enemy;
nothing will harm you. (NIV)
We can take
comfort in knowing that there is nothing that the devil and his demonic forces
can do to us that God cannot handle. If God was strong enough to kick Lucifer
out of Heaven, how much stronger is He to kick the devil out of our lives? Isaiah
54:17 No Weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every
tongue that accuses you. (NIV) The weapon that the devil plans may
indeed form, but God will give you the victory. As a warrior for Christ, He
deems you worthy. The Mighty Force of God is with you.
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