The fate of this world’s gods…

A few years ago a book came out describing the conflict of demonic forces with the world and God’s people. It was classified as fiction, but this psalm suggests otherwise along with hope in a very messy world. It tells how the true God comes to the assembly of the gods and rebukes them for the pattern of evil they have caused:

God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment: “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. I said, “You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you; nevertheless, like men you shall die, and fall like any prince.” Arise, O God, judge the earth; for you shall inherit all the nations! (Psalm 82:1–8)

In the NT, these gods are called by different names: 

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)

Both OT and NT speak of their ability to ruin lives with their lies and activities:

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge… (Hosea 4:6)
In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (2 Corinthians 4:4)

The truth of sin and redemption is hidden as these evil gods convince sinners that there is no God, that they are not sinful people, that Jesus is not real, and that He did not die and rise again, or any other lie that will keep them from a genuine, saving relationship with their Creator who loves them and sent Jesus to bring them forgiveness and eternal life.  

Psalm 82 calls them gods, sons of the Most High, meaning angels, but they are fallen angels. This title and identification is repeated elsewhere, such as: “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them” (Job 1:6) These are not people but affirmed as created by God and are angels, but they will die like people because of their sin.

I find comfort in this psalm. Not only does the enemy of my soul and his forces have a judgment pronounced on them, but the NT says that the saving work of Jesus entirely defeated the devil and his power. 

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, (Hebrews 2:14)

Not only that, our true God gave us a way to overcome these enemies…

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11)

Because of the grace of God and just as the psalmist wrote, these evil gods are limited and like all who follow them, they will perish.

Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. (Matthew 25:41)
And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (Revelation 20:10)

PRAY: Jesus, You affirm again that the devil and his cohorts will perish. I also know that sinful worldly attitudes and actions will eventually be judged. My third nemesis, the flesh, is already separated from God — and I’ve a new nature in You. You conquer all evil and give great comfort and joy, for which I am eternally thankful. 

 

As we scatter each to his own home . . .

Exodus 37; Proverbs 13; John 16; Ephesians 6

Yesterday my son sent a photo of a sign outside a church. It said, “Shopping Tip: Even Noah only took two of each.” He was a wise man and did what he was told. I remembered him today while reading Proverbs.

Proverbs are not promises nor do they fit every situation all the time but are generally true and worth my attention. With the virus still rapidly spreading, our governments are cracking down on those who refuse to do what they are told. Proverbs 13 has this to say:

By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom . . . . The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death . . . . Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored. (Proverbs 13:10; 13; 18)

I went out for a few groceries this morning and discovered toilet paper filled the shelves in one store (limiting customers to two of each) but none in the other. However the second store had the vegetables I needed. I felt like the Proverbs 31 woman who “is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.” (31:14) But I also didn’t mind the restrictions to two of each. Had that been in place earlier, the shortages may not have happened, even though we are living in troubled times!

In John, Jesus is telling His disciples that He will be leaving them. For them, that was dire and they were troubled. They pledged their faith but His answer revealed it would be tested. In grace, He gave them assurance regarding their greatest need in that time . . .

Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:31–33)

His words fit their situation yet they also fit ours. This covid-19 virus has us scattered each to his own home. Some are struggling with their faith in God, wondering if He has abandoned them. Many are worried about future needs not being met. Jesus assures each of us as we try to adjust to social isolation and deal with our fears that He is with us. In Him, there is peace. He overcame the world’s tribulations and we can too.

Admittedly, my struggle with fear is like a child playing with an on/off switch. Each time I feel overwhelmed, or the thoughts of “what if” take the upper hand, I need to deliberate choose to trust God. Sometimes I ask myself if I really believe He is big enough, powerful enough, to take us through this.

Then God tells me to, “Put on the “whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:11-12)

Note, the enemy is not a virus as much as it is the spirit of fear which is not from the God. He promises us peace! Not only that, I need all that God provides so I can stand against that Liar who wants to ruin my peace and joy, my testimony to others, my prayer life, and anything else he can mess up by having me scared instead of taking heart and remembering truth.

This armor puts the “belt of truth” first in the list. How practical. Someone told me that this virus was predicted by B.G. of Microsoft, and this morning I checked it out — not true. How many falsehoods are in social media scaring people and with useless advice? Lots.

This armor includes “the gospel of peace” which comes through using the “shield of faith” and wearing the “helmet of salvation” while I pray using “the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.” Without my armor, I’m a blubbering coward unable to share Christian hope with others who desperately need hope. With it, I have peace and stop worrying.

APPLY: Easy to say, harder to do . . . rely on Jesus Christ and all the provision God gives to protect myself against the Liar and to have what is needed to be an encouragement to others. Abide in Christ. Trust in Him with all my heart and do not let fear invade my thoughts and decisions. Amen.