AT YOUR COMMAND
Lord, even the demons are subject
to us in Your name. Luke 10:17
It was a grand experience for the disciples to discover that the 'demons were subject to them in Jesus' name. The Greek word that is translated as 'subject' in this passage implies "to arrange under". It paints the picture of a group of soldiers coming to attention on a parade ground and following the precise orders of their commanding officer.
In effect, what the disciples were
telling Jesus was, 'Lord, the demons came to attention, followed
our precise orders'. Isn't that exciting to know that in the name
of Jesus you have authority to bring demons to attention?
Sadly, that is not the way many
believers see spiritual warfare. They see God
and His Kingdom on one side and satan and his kingdom on the other. Both kingdoms
seem to be very powerful and these believers
are stuck in the middle between the two, like the rope in a tug of war. On some days, God seems to
be winning and on others the devil appears to have the upper hand. And
they don't seem to have anything to say
about who wins the battle.
But the disciples came back from
their mission with a new perspective, a true perspective.
Spiritual authority is not a tug of war between
God and Satan. Rather, it is the enforcement of God's will by God's children.
Jesus Christ has all authority in Heaven and on earth; He's
at the top. He has given His authority and power to His servants to be exercised in His name; we're seated with Him. And Satan and his demons are at the bottom; under us and subject to the authority Christ has invested in us.
Prayer: Thank You Lord, that evil spirits are subject to me in the name of Jesus.
Scriptural Reading: Luke 10:17-20
