Decisive Victory

Read: Matthew 12:22-28

[Jesus said,] “If I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you.” Matthew 12:28

IN WORD

Jesus had delivered a man from blindness and muteness, and the religious leaders didn’t know what to do with that. Clearly this teacher had supernatural power, but He also violated certain religious traditions and thus could not be from God. Therefore, His supernatural power must be from Satan.

Jesus pointed out the obvious. Why would satanic power cast a satanic influence from a man? Even the kingdom of darkness has enough sense not to divide itself like that. No, His critics didn’t understand, but this was the power of God. There would be no split loyalties, no backtracking, no compromise with the kingdom of darkness. God has no need to negotiate with terrorists. Jesus takes a hard-line stance against evil.

This is still true. Kingdom life is not one of compromise. It’s a hostile overthrow of an illegitimate regime. The kingdom of darkness illegally occupies this world, and the sovereign God sent His conquering Son to raise up a conquering people. The dictator’s days are numbered; the good King has come to assume His throne.

IN DEED

Stage one of the overthrow involves the King’s own people. He has left us as His agents in the midst of the kingdom of darkness so we can undermine it and overcome it. He could take over in a moment and cast the evil one out of creation, but that’s not His way. He is demonstrating His power through weak vessels who fully depend on Him.

Understand your position as a hostile force against the kingdom of darkness. Its forces fear your potential and hope you never recognize it. But as you do, and as you step further into your calling, your demonstration of Jesus’ power grows stronger. And the world around you will know the Kingdom of God has come upon them.

ADDITIONAL READING: Acts 1:7-8

Anyone who witnesses to the grace of God revealed in Christ is undertaking a direct assault against Satan’s dominion.

THOMAS COSMADES