He Will Crush Satan

He Will Crush Satan

God’s curse on the serpent in Genesis 3 does not, at first glance, seem to hold out any hope for humanity. It appears to be a declaration of war. And in fact, it is. “He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel” (Genesis 3:15).

In a sense, the pronouncement of the Curse was a declaration of war—but not a war between God and people. God declared his hostility toward Satan and the reign of sin and death. From this point forward, in Scripture and in history, we see two opposing forces at war in the world: the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan. There is no neutral territory, no area of life that is free from the struggle. Both God and Satan lay claim to all things.

When Jesus came, he described his coming as a significant advancement in this war. “From the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it. For before John came, all the prophets and the law of Moses looked forward to this present time” (Matthew 11:12-13). The most decisive battle came at the Cross, when Jesus disarmed his enemies of the power of death and shamed them publicly with his victory. Death could not hold him.

Though the decisive blow has been laid and the reign of sin and death is sure to be destroyed, we live in a time when the Kingdom of God is hidden to all but those who have faith in Jesus Christ.

Paul’s letter to the Romans ends with these words: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet” (16:20). The battle is still raging between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan, but there is no question which kingdom will be victorious.

John was given a vision of the day when this war will come to an end, when the glorious Kingdom will be fully consummated. “The devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever” (Revelation 20:10). Finally, the chosen offspring will have struck the final blow on the serpent’s head, and he will be crushed.

Triumphant King, how I long for the day when Satan and his power to deceive and destroy are finally gone for good. But as I live now, in this in-between time, use me to advance your Kingdom in this world. Take over in my own heart and life until they become territory conquered by your love and mercy.