A Rebellion in Heaven
How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, You who have weakened the nations! - (Isaiah 14:12)
At the beginning of known time, a rebellion took place in heaven. The “star of the morning”(Isaiah 14:12), the beautiful and powerful angel once known as Lucifer, raised his head and his hand in an attempt to take God’s throne from Him (vv. 13–14).
God had no trouble defending His throne, and Lucifer was defeated and kicked out of heaven’s kingdom. Now he is Satan, “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2)— no doubt disgruntled, vengeful, and on a mission to reclaim the power and prestige he once had. For a short time, God has permitted Satan to act as the ruler of a rival kingdom, the world of unsaved humanity and the demons of hell. At this time, Satan has his own kingdom, and we can see and feel its effect everywhere. Whenever you witness rebellion rise up against legitimate authority, you are seeing Satan at work.The thing that characterizes him and his kingdom is rebellion against divine authority. While Satan’s work might be obvious in the world around you, he will often try to subtly sway you into a spirit of rebellion against God as well. Be on the alert for his schemes which aim to remove God from His rightful place as ruler over your life.
Reflection: What does Satan wish to gain from getting humans to side against God? What can humans gain in such temptation? How is Satan defeated in your own life, and that of your fellow Christians?
Dear Lord, I want to be on the alert for Satan’s schemes in my life. Grant me insight and awareness to detect these schemes. Grant me also the strength and wisdom that will take me down a path to avoid falling for his tricks to mislead me. You are my rightful King. May I seek to honor You in that position with my thoughts, words, and actions each day.
Listen to Dr. Tony Evans Online Broadcasts at OnePlace.com.
