Scripture: 1 John 5:19 We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.
Observation: "God is in control." This is a popular phrase among Christians, especially when things go wrong or if something happens that is difficult to understand. There is even a popular Christian song by that title. The phrase is often repeated when we are faced with the fact that events in this world seem quite out of control and trends are moving in the wrong direction.
- Terrorists attack -- "God is in control."
- Hollywood puts out an anti-Christian film -- "God is in control."
- The ACLU attacks Christianity and wins -- "God is in control."
But here, John tells us that God is not in control! -- "the whole world is under the control of the evil one." That is something that I do not like to hear. But it is true. God is sovereign. That is, there is nothing that happens that is beyond His ability to do something about it. But apparently, though God has ultimate sovereignty, the immediate situation is that the control of this planet is in satan's hands. Note that John points out that "we are children of God." This phrase stands to contrast the condition of the world: We are under God's control but the world is under satan's control. That means we live in a hostile environment. What to do?
Application: Well, if I believe the whole chapter, John made this point clear: I have the upper hand: "for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." (vss. 4-5)
I have a choice here. I can either sink in fear and depression, holding on until Jesus comes back to save me out of this mess, or I can lay hold of overcoming faith in Jesus, and rise above the negative world in which I live. I can have "the victory that has overcome the world" through faith. This is a challenge but there is a faith that is transformative. (Read Hebrews chapter 11.)
Prayer: Lord, I want to lay hold of this victorious lifestyle and attitude. Give us faith that rises above the turmoil and dismay that can so easily swamp us in the mire of doubt, depression, and despair. Thank You for Your victory. Help us to find power to live in our victory through faith in You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
1 comment:
What an excellent post. It is so difficult for us to wrap our brains around the dualities in the Bible. The world is under satan's control yet we have the victory NOW through our faith. And LATER God takes control away from satan and controls the world too. One of the reasons prayer is so important is that even now, God will intervene to suspend satan's control and do miracles here in answer to our prayers. We can effect positive change behind enemy lines through intercession.
Post a Comment