Category: Spiritual Authority

Passion of the King: Matthew 27-28

This week I have the daunting privilege of teaching on Matthew chapters 27-28 covering Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection and the Great Commission. Speaking on such weighty topics in a fixed amount of time means I can’t include many of the interesting things I learned while diving into these chapters. So, today’s post includes some  information that enhanced my understanding of the text. Use the bold headings to find the topics that interest you. (The link to my teaching will be on the “videos” page of my website when it’s available.)

Chapter 27:

Judas Returns the Thirty Pieces of Silver

When Judas changes his mind and returns the 30 pieces of silver the Jewish leaders paid him to betray Jesus, he confesses, “I have sinned…for I have betrayed innocent blood.” The chief priests reply, “What is that to us?…That’s your responsibility.” (27:4, NIV) The lack of concern for an innocent man being condemned and for another man confessing his sin shows just how far the religious leaders have veered from being the spiritual shepherds of the children of Israel. They care only about ensuring that the threat to their power will be eliminated with the crucifixion of Jesus. Like them, tunnel vision and personal pride often prevent us from seeing our shortcomings or the hurt we cause others.

His Blood Be on Our Heads

A commentary I read explains this well: “Pilate believed Jesus was innocent and had not committed a crime deserving crucifixion, so he tried to convince the Jews of this. Matthew 27:24 notes, ‘So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.’ The Jews were adamant about crucifying Jesus and were willing to accept the blame and consequences for it, including punishment upon their own children. At this point, Pilate gave in to their demands and allowed the crucifixion to proceed.”

The commentary continues, “Those who sought the death of Jesus desired it so much they were willing to accept the consequences upon them and their children for it. This is in contrast with Pilate, who sought release from this responsibility, but who still gave in and had Jesus crucified. Both Jews and Gentiles were involved in the death of Jesus, yet Jesus died so all people would have the opportunity to be saved (John 3:16–18). We are called to respond to the opportunity to believe in Jesus and His salvation, recognizing that His sacrifice was made for all of humanity (Galatians 3:25–29; 2 Peter 3:8–13; 1 John 2:2).”1

Jen Wilkin points out the ironic twist that Jesus’ blood is on the heads of all who confess their sin, acknowledge the atoning sacrifice He made in their place, and receive forgiveness from the Lord. What was meant as a curse became a blessing.

Mocking Turns to Awe

Roman soldiers gather to mock Jesus before His crucifixion. “They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. ’Hail, king of the Jews!’ they said.” (27:28-29, NIV) Pretending to bow down in worship, they make Jesus the butt of a cruel and vicious joke. Yet a few hours later “When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, ‘Surely he was the Son of God!’” (27:54, NIV) Worship offered in jest becomes genuine when the soldiers recognize Jesus is who He claimed to be.

Simon of Cyrene Helps Carry the Cross

Jen Wilkin highlights the absence of the disciples in this moment when Jesus’ physical strength gives out. He told His followers “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” but they desert their Rabbi and Savior at His moment of greatest anguish. (Matthew 16:24, NIV) When He needs the supportive presence of His closest followers and literal help carrying His cross, they are nowhere to be found. Roman soldiers force a stranger in the crowd to step in where Jesus’ disciples fail Him. Despite this, He still refers to the disciples as His brothers and continues in relationship with them after His resurrection (28:10). This is an incredible picture of His grace and forgiveness.

Women from Galilee

Matthew mentions women witnessing Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection several times throughout these chapters (27:55-56, 61, 28:1-10). While the women are powerless to change the circumstances, their presence communicates a deep love and devotion to Jesus. Peter and the rest of the male disciples have deserted Him, but Jesus likely takes comfort in the presence of faithful women who have followed and supported Him throughout His ministry.

Women are the first to arrive at the tomb after the Sabbath and Jesus appears to women first after His resurrection. He tells them to bear witness to others about what has happened. Jen Wilkin points out that at a time in history and culture when the voices of women were devalued by society, Jesus entrusts them with this sacred task, and they carry it out without delay.

Temple Curtain Tearing

Part of mourning in the Jewish faith is a ritual called “kriah” which is a physical act of tearing clothing meant to show the metaphorical tear in the heart that occurs at the death of a loved one. The tear in the temple curtain was an outward symbol of the deep grief of the Father over the sin of the world and the crucifixion of His son to atone for it. At the same time, the tear represented new and direct access to the Lord without the need for priests as an intermediary or the temple as the place for sacrifice. With the death of Christ, animal sacrifices would no longer be necessary because Jesus atoned for sin once and for all (Hebrews 10:1-14).

Joseph of Arimathea

Matthew describes Joseph as “a rich man” who had become a disciple of Jesus. Joseph honors Jesus by preparing His body for burial before the Sabbath and laying it in “his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock.” (27:60, NIV) Jen Wilkin comments that this provides additional perspective for the story of the rich young man in Matthew 19 who couldn’t part with his wealth to follow Jesus. Being rich wasn’t the problem, it was that “he didn’t know how to relate to wealth in a way that allowed him to serve the Lord, Christ.”2 In contrast, Joseph uses his wealth to meet a felt need and honor the Lord.

 Chapter 28

The First Day of the Week

Matthew highlights that the resurrection takes place after the Sabbath, on the first day of the week. This is not a coincidence but is symbolic, revealing it is the dawn of a new era; a new thing is happening. It is the first day of a new age. The resurrection changes everything.3

 They Worshipped Him, But Some Doubted

After the resurrection, “The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.” (28:16-17, NIV) There is no shame in doubting—even the disciples did it in the presence of the risen Jesus. It’s healthy and wise to acknowledge doubt and to grapple with hard questions. Hearing how others have dealt with it can build our faith and forge meaningful connections between people. In contrast, avoiding difficult questions and letting doubt linger can lead to feelings of isolation, instability, and cynicism. Doubt and faith are not mutually exclusive.

The Great Commission

Matthew closes his gospel with Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (28:18b-20, NIV)

 In this powerful statement Jesus reveals the culmination of so many promises and prophecies. Here are a few of the most crucial ones:

-Image Bearers of God: The Lord created humans to be a representation of Him: “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27, NIV) Just as humans bear the image of God, followers of Christ take on His character and bear His image to the world.

-The Cultural Mandate from Genesis 1:28: “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.” Similarly, Jesus commissions His followers to take His authority and advance His kingdom on earth by sharing the gospel and making disciples. Just as intimacy between Adam and Eve multiplied the human race, intimacy with Christ produces spiritual fruit that multiplies His disciples.

-The Head Crusher: When Adam and Eve rebel, they unknowingly give authority over the earth to the enemy and taint God’s perfect world with sin. In His mercy, the Lord promises He will one day save the world through Eve’s offspring. To the deceiving serpent, the Lord pronounces this curse: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” (Genesis 3:15 NIV) At the crucifixion the enemy strikes, but with His resurrection, Jesus crushes his head and reclaims authority for His image bearers on earth.

-All Nations Will Be Blessed: God promises Abraham “all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:3b) The opening lines of Matthew’s Gospel show the lineage of Jesus that connects Him to Abraham. Through the blood of Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles (aka “all peoples on earth”) can receive the blessings of forgiveness from sin and reconciliation with the Lord.

As we wrap up this study of the Gospel of Matthew, there is still much to process and deeper layers to be excavated at a future time. Just like the disciples, we are works in progress– we don’t understand everything Jesus says and we often struggle with sin. But, we can take heart from Jesus’ final words to His disciples, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (28:2-b, NIV) What a comfort to know He’s with us through the presence of the Holy Spirit and that He provides all that we need to keep pressing on.

Posts in this series are based on Tara Leigh Cobble’s Knowing Jesus as King.

Was this forwarded to you? You can receive new posts automatically in your inbox by going to www.marybethmccullum.com, entering your e-mail address and clicking “subscribe.”

  1. https://www.compellingtruth.org/His-blood-be-on-us.html
  2. Jen Wilkin, “Matthew: Crucifixion”, The Village Church Resources, Feb. 13, 2018
  3. Jen Wilkin, “Matthew: Resurrection”, The Village Church Resources, Feb. 21, 2018

(Note, many ideas in this post were inspired by these two teachings from Jen Wilkin.)

Authority of the King: Matthew 8-10

Lingering on the fringe of the crowd, the leper catches Jesus’ eye as people disperse and walk down the hillside. The man approaches the Teacher, kneels before Him and stammers, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” With compassion and gentleness, Jesus responds, “I am willing. Be clean.” (Matthew 8:2-3, NIV) In a split second, the horrific skin disease disappears and the outcast experiences complete healing. This is how Matthew reveals Jesus’ authority over illness.

Using a mix of action sequences, conversations, and teaching from Jesus, Matthew shows the authority of the King through chapters eight, nine, and ten of his gospel. Christ demonstrates authority over the natural and spiritual realms in many brief stories, including our favorite tax-collector’s choice to leave his life of sin and follow Jesus. Let’s hit the highlights of these three dense chapters.

Chapter 8

After eradicating his leprosy, Jesus tells the healed man to go and show himself to the priest for ceremonial cleansing. He also asks the man to keep the “messianic secret”—not wanting to “reveal His identity as Messiah until the proper time.”1

Next, a Roman centurion (a Gentile) displays incredible faith in Jesus by asking Him to heal his paralyzed servant who is suffering. When Jesus offers to go to the centurion’s home, he replies, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” (8:8, NIV) Despite his military power and political authority, the centurion humbles himself before Jesus and recognizes Him as the One who is superior in every way. The centurion exemplifies the heart posture of meekness Jesus highlights in the Sermon on the Mount. Astonished at the centurion’s faith and humility, Jesus replies, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith…Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” Matthew concludes this encounter by explaining, “And his servant was healed at that moment.” (8:10 & 13, NIV) As an outsider, this Gentile reveals more faith than any of the Jewish people Jesus has encountered thus far.

The healings continue as Jesus cures Peter’s mother-in-law of a fever that has kept her bedridden. Many other sick and demon-possessed people also receive Jesus’ healing touch. After witnessing these miracles, two different men pull Jesus aside and declare their allegiance to Him. In both cases, Jesus instructs them to consider the high cost of following Him. “Both men desired to follow Jesus. One was eager without fully counting the cost; the other was willing, but only after his affairs were in order.”2  Seeking the King requires more than enthusiasm and good intentions–it involves focus and sacrifice.

Matthew reveals another aspect of Jesus’ authority during a sudden storm on the Sea of Galilee. As Jesus sleeps peacefully, waves swamp the small boat. Fearing for their lives, the disciples wake Him saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown.” (8:25, NIV) At the sound of His voice the wind ceases and the waves smooth out like glass. Amazed, the disciples respond with awe, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” (8:27, NIV) Seeing His power over the natural world, their awe for Jesus continues to increase.

After their stormy voyage, the disciples and Jesus arrive in Gentile territory. “True to form, Jesus stepped outside of another cultural comfort zone and called His disciples to follow Him there.”3

Not long after arriving, they encounter two violent demon-possessed men who immediately recognize Jesus and shout “What do you want with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” (8:29, NIV) Revealing both Jesus’ authority and their limited power, the demons plead to be driven into a nearby herd of pigs. When all of the swine rush off a cliff and drown in the waters below, the people urge Jesus to leave. “Two men were finally free, but the people were focused on what was lost. Their value system was revealed and it stood in stark contrast to God’s.”4  I wonder how often we’re like them.

Chapter 9

Matthew continues with more stories of healing that illustrate a variety of responses to Jesus, providing living examples of the Beatitudes from Matthew 5:

  • A paralyzed man receives both forgiveness for his sins and complete physical healing. Teachers of the law accuse Jesus of blasphemy while other people respond with awe.
  • A bleeding woman who has been an outcast for twelve years risks touching the edge of Jesus’ cloak, believing there is “healing in His wings” (Malachi 4:2, NKJV). Recognizing her deep faith Jesus says, “Take heart, daughter, your faith has healed you.” (9:22)
  • Jesus raises the daughter of a synagogue ruler from death. Similar to the centurion, we see a person of authority humbling himself before Jesus, only this time he’s Jewish. (Story also recorded in Mark 5:22-43 & Luke 8:41-56)
  • Two blind men ask for mercy from Jesus and receive their sight. They disregard Jesus’ warning to keep quiet and spread news about Him all over the region, betraying His request to keep the “messianic secret.”
  • A demon possessed man unable to speak receives healing from Jesus. While most of the crowd reacts with amazement, the Pharisees accuse Jesus of using the power of the prince of demons to drive out demons.

Interspersed with these stories of healing, Matthew includes his own conversion. He describes leaving his tax collector’s booth with two simple words from Jesus: “Follow me.” (9:9)

As Matthew hosts Jesus and other “sinners” in his home, the Pharisees display their disdain, to which Jesus responds, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (9:12-13, NIV) Here Jesus re-emphasizes the importance of recognizing our spiritual poverty and of mourning our sin so that we can humbly receive Him. Jesus welcomes all who acknowledge sin and repent of it, but the Pharisees’ self-righteous pride prohibits them from doing that.

Chapter 9 ends by setting up chapter 10. Jesus continues traveling through towns and villages preaching the good news and healing diseases and sicknesses. “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’” (9:36-38, NIV)

People today are still “harassed and helpless like sheep without a shepherd”; the harvest is still plentiful, and the workers are still few. Will you be one of the workers committed to sharing the good news with those who desperately need it?

Chapter 10

Although he hasn’t told each of their stories, Matthew now lists all twelve disciples by name as Jesus prepares to send them out on their first missionary journey. Among this varied bunch we see a range of extremes—from unschooled fishermen (Peter, Andrew, James and John) to an educated upper-class tax collector (Matthew); from Simon, a zealot seeking to overthrow Rome by force to Matthew, a tax collector complicit with the occupying government. With hearts humbly yielded to Jesus, His disciples reveal unity, but not uniformity. How can we learn from their example in these times of deep division?

Before hitting the road on their first missionary journey, Jesus gives warnings and instructions to the pairs of disciples going out to preach the good news of God’s kingdom (Mark 6:7). He gives them “Authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.” (10:1, NIV) He tells them, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” (10:16) He warns them that betrayal, hardship, and persecution await, but reassures them that when they’re called before the authorities “it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (10:20, NIV)

Jesus reassures them and urges them at the same time: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell…Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.” (10:28 & 32-33). He continues to describe what it means to live in His upside-down kingdom: “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (10:38-39, NIV)

Through these action-packed chapters, Matthew reveals many truths about God and His character:

  • The Lord is pleased and honored by those who approach Him with faith and humility
  • He has power over the natural world (such as weather), the spiritual world (casting out demons), and the physical world (healing people)
  • He has the authority to forgive
  • He has compassion on sinners and all who are spiritually lost
  • He bestows spiritual power and authority upon those who follow Him
  • He uses those who follow Him to reach the lost

Which story from these chapters resonates with you most? Are you in a storm and crying out for help? Are you sick and in need of healing? Are you worried about someone you love and seeking the Lord’s intervention? Regardless of our circumstances, let’s follow the examples or those who repent of pride, humble themselves, and show reverence and awe for the authority of the King of Kings.

Follow along with our study by ordering your copy of Tara Leigh Cobble’s Knowing Jesus as King.

Was this forwarded to you? You can receive new posts automatically in your inbox by going to www.marybethmccullum.com, entering your e-mail address and clicking “subscribe.”

  1. Tara Leigh Cobble, Knowing Jesus as King, Bethany House 2024, 65.
  2. ibid, 67
  3. ibid
  4. ibid, 70

Fighting Back

Note: For my summer series I’ll be drawing on inspiration from experiences happening during this more unstructured season. Posts may be less regular, but you’ll still find plenty of biblically rooted inspiration, encouragement, and gentle nudging to let God expand your comfort zone.

 Pedaling through verdant fields, past narrow canals, and into bustling towns throughout the lowlands of Europe, one constant always caught my eye—church steeples. They always stood as the tallest points on the horizon or the most noteworthy buildings in town squares. And although many have become more like museums or tourist attractions, they still hold rich biblical symbolism for anyone interested in finding it.

Less than thirty minutes outside of Amsterdam, Saint Bavo’s Church towers above all the other buildings in the picturesque town of Haarlem. Wandering through the cavernous sanctuary felt like going on a treasure hunt as I discovered many objects symbolizing biblical truth. While the vibrant stained-glass windows, enormous pipe organ, and historical artifacts were all impressive, I was most intrigued by the brass hand rail leading down the stairs of the elevated pulpit. It had been shaped into the curving body of a snake ending with the head at the base of the stairs. Puzzled to see a serpent in the church, I learned that it symbolized the enemy slithering away from the Word of God as it is proclaimed from the pulpit.

This striking image calls to mind the temptation of Jesus at the start of His public ministry. While the enemy lures Him to sin, Jesus fights back with Scripture. During the final temptation “Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.” (Matthew 4:10-11, NIV) Note how Jesus fends off the attacks of the enemy using God’s Word. Sometimes as His followers, we don’t behave like we have spiritual authority or remember we have access to this same power, but Scripture makes it clear we do:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:10-17, NIV)

Recently I found myself in a downward spiral of discouragement.  An old relational wound tore open and flooded my mind with convincing lies. The enemy had capitalized on one of my weak spots and was tapping into some longtime insecurities from the past. After two days of wallowing in self pity, I finally fought back using spiritual weapons. Instead of remaining in misery, seeking reassurance from my husband, or trying to numb myself with distractions, I confronted all of the ugly thoughts that had been poisoning my mind.

Sitting alone in my backyard, I wrote until my hand ached, pouring out my struggles to God in my prayer journal. Once I’d purged all my angst and fears, the Lord  comforted me through His Word.  With my heart softened, God also enabled  me to see where I’d let old and unhealthy thought patterns creep back into my mind. I took ownership of the areas I’d sinned, sought forgiveness, and  laid down my lingering pain before Him.  Focused time reading the Bible and praying changed my perspective and reminded me of deep truth that led to restored peace. The serpent slithered away as I buckled on the belt of truth and recognized how I’d been deceived.

I’ve been attacked spiritually before, but I still fell for the enemy’s lies. It wasn’t enough knowing that spiritual armor was available to me, I had to use it. When do you get lured in by the enemy’s schemes? Are you arming yourself with tools God has given you? Maybe the relaxed pace of summer has distracted you from praying and opening your Bible  consistently. Or maybe  you’re struggling with anxious thoughts, nagging fears, or challenging relational dynamics. Has the serpent slithered in and magnified an area of weakness in you?  Instead of feeling defeated, remind yourself of truth and put what you know into practice. Claim your spiritual authority, engage the armor of God, and send the enemy packing. You can take a deeper dive into this important topic right now by clicking here: “The Armor of God.”

Was this forwarded to you? You can receive new posts automatically in your inbox by going to www.marybethmccullum.com, entering your e-mail address and clicking “subscribe.”

Seven Last Sights

It’s been a grueling journey through Revelation, but we’ve arrived at the seven last sights. Up to this point, we’ve studied seven churches, seven seals, seven trumpets, seven histories, seven bowls and seven words of woe. If you’re still with me, well done–we’ve made it to the final set of seven in the book of Revelation!

First Sight (19:11-16): In John’s vision, heaven opens and a white horse appears. “Its rider is called Faithful and True, and with justice he judges and makes war.” (19:11b) Like the vision of Christ in Revelation 1, His eyes are “like a fiery flame” and a “sharp sword came from his mouth.” This time, the priestly robe He wears is “dipped in blood and His name is called the Word of God.” (19:12,15,13) He leads the armies of heaven riding on white horses and wearing pure white linen. “And he has a name written on his robe and on his thigh: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” (19:16)

Christ’s entrance here contrasts His previous triumphal entry recorded in the Gospels (Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19, John 12). “He is no longer riding a humble donkey…[but returns] on a fiery white charger, bringing judgment, just as He had promised (Matthew 25:31-33).”* John’s vision reveals Jesus as a warrior king marching in victoriously. Just as a priest’s garments would have had been stained with blood from making sacrifices, Jesus’ robe exhibits evidence of His blood shed on the cross to atone for the sins of the saints. Simultaneously, He also bears the blood of His defeated enemies, recapitulating a prophecy in Isaiah and showing the fulfillment of His wrath: “I trampled the winepress alone, and no one from the nations was with me. I trampled them in my anger and ground them underfoot in my fury; their blood spattered my garments, and all my clothes were stained.” (Isaiah 63:3) (Jen Wilkin Week 9 video)

Second Sight (19:17-18): John describes an angel calling out in a loud voice to all the birds flying overhead “Come, gather together for the great supper of God, so that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of military commanders, the flesh of the mighty, the flesh of horses and of their riders, and the flesh of everyone, both free and slave, small and great.” (19:17b-18) This “banquet” appears to be the antithesis of the wedding supper of the Lamb. In a gruesome turn of events, those who refuse the invitation to the wedding supper of the Lamb become a feast for the birds.

Third Sight (19:19-21): Moving on to John’s next vision, “the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies gathered together to wage war against the rider on the horse and against his army.” (19:19) Instead of an epic battle between good and evil, the beast (Antichrist) and the false prophet are “thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.” (19:20c) Furthering their defeat, “the rest were killed with the sword that came from the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds ate their fill of their flesh.” (19:21) This is another view of the sixth bowl judgement described in Revelation 16:16. Jen Wilkin describes this one-sided victory at Armageddon as “the battle that wasn’t.” (141)

Other parts of Scripture clarify the symbolic double-edged sword coming from the mouth of Christ: “For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. No creature is hidden from him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.” (Hebrews 4:12-13)

“God’s Word reveals His standard, our obligations, and our shortcomings. It cuts through our veneer of virtue, exposing us as the rebels we are, and promises that we will receive a just penalty… Against the divine standard, we inevitably fall short (Romans 3:23). That’s why we need a Savior.”**

Fourth Sight (20:1-3): Returning to a familiar scene from Revelation 9, John revisits the abyss from which the enemy unleashed locusts in the fifth trumpet judgement. In this vision, an angel holds a key to the abyss and a great chain in his hand. “He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. He threw him into the abyss, closed it, and put a seal on it so that he would no longer deceive the nations until the thousand years were completed. After that, he must be released for a short time.” (20:2-3)

Both Jen Wilkin and Pastor Matt Chandler assert that 1000 years is a symbolic number that references the fixed period of time between Christ’s first and second coming to earth. This interpretation would mean we are currently living during the 1000 years. Chandler asserts that Satan is like a mafia boss calling the shots from behind bars. Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, His followers can no longer be accused by the enemy (Romans 8:33). And with the arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the devil hasn’t been able to stop the gospel as it spreads from “Jerusalem to Judea to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

Fifth Sight (20:4-10): Next, John sees people seated on thrones “who were given authority to judge.” (20:4b) He also sees martyrs and believers who didn’t take the mark of the beast raised back to life to reign with Christ. While this seems like a future vision, it may also symbolize our present spiritual reality. Consider this in light of Paul’s words: “we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:3b-7)

We’ve already been brought from death to life in a spiritual sense. We are born again and seated at the right hand of Christ. So, the “first resurrection” (20:5) is a spiritual one—when a person chooses to follow Jesus. The second resurrection will occur after Christ’s bodily return when our physical bodies will be raised and made new. The first death is physical death. The “second death” (20:6) is spiritual death—when those who have rejected God will be separated from Him and His goodness, light, and love for eternity. (Jen Wilkin Week 9 video)

Through Christ, believers already have spiritual authority and eternal life: “ [Jesus] said to them, ‘I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightning. Look, I have given you the authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; nothing at all will harm you. However, don’t rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:18-20)

The fifth sight continues by explaining events following the thousand years when Christ physically returns. Satan will be released from captivity, will go out to deceive the nations and will gather people from the four corners of the earth to wage battle. They will surround “the encampment of the saints, the beloved city.” (20:9b) But just like the battle of Armageddon, they will be shut down before they can attack: “Then fire came down from heaven and consumed them. The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet are, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (Revelation 20:9c-10) This is the last we’ll see of the unholy trinity—it’s the final defeat of the dragon and the two beasts. Sin, death, Satan and all the brokenness they bring have been overcome by God’s power and justice. That’s worthy of a Hallelujah!

The Sixth Sight (20:11-14): Next John describes a scene we often fear and misunderstand—the final judgement. “Then I saw a great white throne and one seated on it… I also saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life, and the dead were judged according to their works by what was written in the books… And anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.” (20:11a, 12, 15) This is the fourth time we’ve seen the book of life in one of John’s visions (see 3:5, 13:8, 17:8) With every mention, we’re given assurance that those whose names are written in it have nothing to fear.

Jesus uses three parables to describe different aspects of judgement day in Matthew 25: The Parables of the Ten Virgins, the Talents, and the Sheep and the Goats. Each one emphasizes the importance of living in a way that honors the Lord and anticipates His return. From beginning to end, Scripture makes it clear that the way we live and treat others matters. We show we belong to God by keeping His commandments. On judgement day we’ll be called to account for all that we’ve done, but by God’s grace, we can stand before His throne and claim righteousness through the atoning sacrifice of Christ’s blood.

The Seventh Sight (21:1-8): John sees a new heaven and a new earth and a new Jerusalem coming down out of heaven. He hears a voice from the throne saying “Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.” (21:3-4)

The Lord comes down from heaven to reveal Himself many times in Scripture but people repeatedly rebel and follow their own desires. Here, at the end of time, we see Him coming down once more. Only this time, He’ll be here to stay and will redeem our broken and fallen world once and for all.

Take a moment to ponder this incredible truth. Consider how you can live in a way that honors the Lord and brings His hope to our broken world. (And keep an eye out for my next post that will bring us all the way to the end of Revelation 22.)

*gotquestions.org “Why is Jesus going to return on a white horse?” 

**gotquestions.org “What is the meaning of the two edged sword coming out of Jesus’ mount in Revelation 1:16?”  

Jen Wilkin, Revelation: Eternal King, Everlasting Kingdom, Lifeway Press, 2024.

All Scripture quoted from the Christian Standard Bible (CSB), unless noted otherwise.

To access Matt Chandler’s sermon on this portion of Revelation, click here.

Was this forwarded to you? You can receive new posts automatically in your inbox by going to www.marybethmccullum.com, entering your e-mail address and clicking “subscribe.”

Seated in Heavenly Places

A couple of years ago my son brought a friend home from college to spend Thanksgiving with us. During that week he participated in the rhythms of our family—eating meals with us, sleeping on our couch, helping us prepare for Thanksgiving, and getting to know our extended family around the table. We welcomed his presence, but he was a temporary member of our household for a short season. Because he didn’t share our last name, he didn’t have keys to our house or his own bed. Nor were we paying for his college tuition or planning to give him an inheritance one day. As much as we enjoyed having him, he will never have all the privileges our sons have. 

Being part of a family gives us a sense of belonging and identity along with certain benefits. It gives us legal rights, security, and protection in the earthly realm. But as we read Ephesians, we discover that God gives those with faith in Christ something even better and more lasting: adoption into His eternal household (Ephesians 1:5, 2:19). Included with this adoption is a rich spiritual inheritance and a new position: “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:4-6, NIV- italics added)

If you’ve accepted Jesus, then you’re an adopted child of God; you’ve been brought from death to life and have received salvation by God’s grace. And if that’s not amazing enough, you are also seated with Christ in heavenly realms. We can be physically present on earth but simultaneously engaging the spiritual world.1 When Paul prays that the eyes of our hearts will be opened in Ephesians 1:18, he’s awakening us to the reality of the spiritual world that exists all around us all the time. Let’s explore a few highlights of the incredible privilege of being seated with Christ:

-Christ’s position in the heavenly realms shows His completed work.1 He is seated and at rest after fulfilling all of the requirements He came to earth to accomplish: Becoming a man and identifying with our humanity; shedding blood and dying on the cross to atone for our sins; overcoming death to reveal His ultimate power and authority. After making these sacrifices, the Father “seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” (Ephesians 1:20b-21, ESV). His seated position assures us He has finished the work required for our salvation.

-Being seated at the right hand of the Father signifies Christ’s place of highest honor and spiritual authority. “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” (Ephesians 2:22-23 NIV) Being seated with Him is “much like being seated at the VIP table of a Presidential luncheon. We have been given the royal privilege of being enthroned with the Son and will one day partake of His glory.”2

-Being seated with Christ in heavenly places means we have access to spiritual privileges and blessings such as redemption, spiritual insight, and forgiveness. We also have spiritual authority and power to defeat forces of evil.* Paul expands on this a few chapters later in Ephesians: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:10-12, NIV)

-God raised us up “in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” Our honored position seated with Christ displays God’s rich grace and deep kindness. Letting this spiritual truth sink in should change the way we see ourselves and how we engage the world around us. Our position in God’s family is secure, but we did nothing to earn it. It is only through the love, grace, and kindness of God that we humbly receive all the rights and privileges He bestows on His children.

Consider the incredible truth contained in these points and how you might respond in prayer. Do you need your spiritual eyes to be opened more so that you can see God at work in the spiritual realm? Is it time to marvel at the incredible sacrifices Christ made on your behalf and to praise Him for His completed work? Perhaps now is the time to be in awe of His spiritual authority and to praise Him for sharing it with you. Maybe you’ll want to ask the Father to help you understand His spiritual blessings  and power so you can access them more. Or perhaps you simply want to thank God for His kindness—for including you in His family and lavishing you with all the rights and privileges of a beloved child.

Was this forwarded to you? You can receive new posts automatically in your inbox by going to www.marybethmccullum.com, entering your e-mail address and clicking “subscribe.”

Inspired by Ephesians: A Study of Faith and Practice by Jackie Hill Perry, Jasmine Holmes and Melissa Kruger, Lifeway Press, 2024.

1. Patrick Oben, “Seated in Heavenly Places  In Christ”

2. “What Does It Mean to be Seated in Heavenly Places? (Ephesians 2:6)” 

*Learn more about your spiritual authority in Christ in my blog “Claiming Your Spiritual Authority: The Armor of God Part 1”

Heaven’s View of Christmas

Each December we read the beloved story of Christmas from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. We remember Mary and Joseph, shepherds and angels, wise men and the star, and, of course, baby Jesus. We find comfort and hope in the familiar plot, people, and places. But this year, I heard a sermon with a new perspective on the Christmas story that’s straight from Scripture, but often overlooked. It’s a narrative that steps back to give us a broader view of Christ’s birth from the perspective of heaven.

The apostle John, known as “the disciple Jesus loved” wrote the book of Revelation while in exile at the end of his life. He wrote about visions and prophecies revealed to him by God to give hope and encouragement to persecuted believers around the world. In his vision from chapter 12, John describes the birth of Christ. One aspect of this incredible event we rarely consider is the cosmic conflict that it caused:

“A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth. Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on its heads. Its tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that it might devour her child the moment he was born. She gave birth to a son, a male child, who ‘will rule all the nations with an iron scepter.’ And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne… Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.” (Revelation 12:1-9, NIV)

Pastor Rick Atchley contends that the woman in John’s vision represents both Israel and Jesus’ mother, Mary, who birthed the Messiah as the Savior for all of humankind. He believes that the Revelation passage describes Christ’s birth and the devil’s attempt to intervene and prevent Him from fulfilling the purposes for which He was born. War breaks out between God and Satan and the enemy ultimately is cast out of heaven and hurled to earth with his minions. 

Christ’s birth from heaven’s perspective shows us that there is a huge story playing out. There is a dark lord fighting against a promised King. But the outcome of their conflict has already been determined:

“Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: ‘Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short’…  Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.” (Revelation 12:10-12, 17, NIV)

Bible scholars have differing opinions on the time frames and specifics for the events described in the passage above. Regardless, the vision helps us to understand why bad things happen to us even though Jesus was victorious. It’s because we still contend with an unseen reality: the devil who roams the earth. He is the one behind all the hurt, pain, and evil in this world. The dragon knows Jesus was born to rule the earth and he knows God’s kingdom is invincible, but he will continue to wage war and spread misery on the earth until Jesus returns.

Right now, there’s an ongoing battle all around us in the spiritual realm: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12, NIV) All people on earth in every generation get to decide which side of the battle they want to be on, but only one of the opponents will stand the test of time: “Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever!” (Revelation 1:5 & 6, NIV)

Celebrating Christmas reminds us the enemy’s reign has an expiration date. Regardless of which interpretation of Revelation we align with, we can be encouraged by taking a bigger view of Jesus when we face earthly problems and struggles. We can remind ourselves that the King of Kings who conquered death will one day rule all nations and make all things right. We can rejoice that our true hope isn’t in human empires or worldly comforts but in the absolute sovereignty of Christ. 

Before Pastor Atchley’s sermon begins, a short video depicts a classic nativity scene with Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. As the narrator speaks, the camera pulls back to reveal angels singing above the manger and then further still to reveal stars, constellations, a throne and a dragon. The narrator describes each scene saying: “There’s the story we know: The King of Kings born in a lowly manger. But the story we know is part of a bigger story. A story that unfolds not just in a stable, but on the stage of history played out among the stars and the heavenly hosts. It’s a story of cosmic conflict; of good and evil locked in battle; of a victorious king enthroned forever. The story we know reaches far beyond the little town of Bethlehem into every corner of the cosmos.”1

May this Christmas leave you in awe that the King of Kings who existed before time began came to earth to rescue and redeem us and give us everlasting hope. Let “King of Kings” by Hillsong Worship give you a moment to stop and praise God for this incredible truth. Click here to listen.

1. “A Cosmic King” Series: Cosmic Christmas, Rick Atchely, The Hills Church. Click here to watch the full sermon. 

Was this forwarded to you? Click here to submit your e-mail and subscribe. You’ll receive future posts automatically in your inbox.

Your Kingdom Come

Did you learn the Lord’s Prayer as a child? Maybe, like me, you recited the words without grasping their meaning. Praying the second line: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” can be a strange and difficult concept to grasp. As I got older and learned more, I assumed this line in the prayer referred to Jesus’ second coming, described in the book of Revelation.  I didn’t realize that it also invites God to increase His kingdom on earth right now through us. The Lords’ Prayer anticipates every believer joining in this endeavor. Let’s explore what this means together.

As followers of Jesus, we are citizens of God’s kingdom, and we carry that citizenship with us at all times. Believers in Christ are marked by the Holy Spirit as God’s children (Ephesians 1:13), similar to the way our passports identify us as citizens of specific countries. Wherever we go, we have the opportunity to let the light of the Lord’s love shine out from us. Jesus describes this in the Sermon on the Mount when He says, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)

In the Old Testament we learn the Lord’s original plan was to use Adam and Eve and their offspring to spread His kingdom. God made man and woman in His image, gave them authority over the earth and said, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.” (Genesis 1:28) Tragically, when Satan succeeded in tempting Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, their choice to disobey God brought sin into the world. This gave the enemy an opening to hinder God’s kingdom from spreading on earth. His days are numbered, but he will stop at nothing to keep the world shrouded in the kingdom of darkness.

Although our planet has been tainted by sin, God’s kingdom still exists in its fullness in heaven. When we pray for the Lord’s kingdom to come, we’re pushing back the darkness and reclaiming territory held by the enemy. Author and theologian, N.T Wright, explains that we do this when we reflect God’s love, wisdom, creativity, and power to the world through the endeavors we pursue, the choices we make, and the way we treat others.

One of my favorite examples of this comes from The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom—a book about two sisters arrested for hiding Jews in Nazi-occupied Holland. In one scene, Corrie and Betsie Ten Boom arrive at Ravensbruck, a notorious women’s extermination camp in Germany during World War II. As they are ushered into their quarters, they discover a cavernous room housing four times as many women as it was designed to hold. Corrie describes the scene: “Our noses told us, first, that the place was filthy: somewhere plumbing had backed up, the bedding was soiled and rancid. Then as our eyes adjusted to the gloom, we saw that there were no individual beds at all, but great square piers stacked three high, and wedged side by side, and end to end with only an occasional narrow aisle slicing through.” (The Hiding Place p. 208)

Their first night in the barracks, the two sisters listen in distress as “among exhausted, ill-fed people, quarrels [erupt] constantly.” Betsie clasps Corrie’s hand and prays: “Lord Jesus, send Your peace into this room. There has been too little praying here. The very walls know it. But where You come Lord, the spirit of strife cannot exist.” (p. 211).

As the sisters attempt to settle into their new living situation, Corrie laments to her sister, “Betsie, how can we live in such a place?” It takes Corrie a moment to realize Betsie’s answer is a prayer: “Show us. Show us how.” (p. 208) Within moments Betsie remembers a familiar passage of Scripture and realizes it is the answer to her prayer: “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 NKJV)

Rather than fixating on self-pity or personal survival, they choose to participate in expanding God’s kingdom in a place that would rival hell itself. The sisters begin to apply these words from Scripture and share the hope of God’s love to encourage anyone who will listen. They care for the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of their fellow prisoners and encourage them with nightly worship services. The atmosphere in the barracks slowly changes as the Lord answers Betsie’s prayer. What a beautiful example this provides of shining light into the darkness—changing an atmosphere by bringing God’s kingdom to earth.

We can do this today through the power of the Holy Spirit, who enables us to reflect creation as it was meant to be. Seeking His will over our own spreads the Lord’s kingdom on earth. This happens when we love others, offer forgiveness, express gratitude, practice kindness, delight in creation, comfort people in their struggles, share the hope of the gospel, choose good, and reject evil. Building God’s kingdom on earth brings joy and hope in the present and prepares the world for Jesus’ eventual return. It also fulfills us in way that pursuing our personal agendas never will.

Will you ask God to use you to bring more of His kingdom to earth? Imagine what could happen if we did this together consistently, just as Jesus taught us to do in the Lord’s Prayer. 

Several songs have significantly impacted my understanding of spreading God’s kingdom on earth, but “Build Your Kingdom Here” by Rend Collective is my favorite. It’s become the prayer of my heart and is one I’ve posted in the past (and will probably post in the future). Let it inspire you to make the lyrics your prayer too.

Corrie Ten Boom, Elizabeth Sherrill & John Sherrill, The Hiding Place, Chosen Books, 1971.

NT Wright, Surprised by Hope, Zondervan, 2007, p. 207 & 208.

Reclaiming Your Spiritual Authority

Glancing in the rearview mirror, my heart skipped a beat as I saw the police car’s flashing lights. A quick look at the dashboard showed that I wasn’t speeding before I eased the car onto the shoulder. I’d been taking a shift behind the wheel as my husband and I made the 1700-mile drive to our son’s college halfway across the country.

Leaning into the passenger side window, the officer scanned my license and registration and asked where we were from and where we were going. His heavy boots crunched in the roadside gravel as he returned to his police cruiser to check my information. There was nothing we could do but wait. He had total authority over the situation. Eventually he returned and explained I hadn’t been following a driving law that was unique to his state. Thankfully, he let me off with a warning. (But not before my husband snapped a photo in the sideview mirror to rat me out to our son…)

I hadn’t even realized I was doing something wrong because the rules of the road are different where I live. Nonetheless, the police officer had authority over me as I drove through his jurisdiction.

It may sound strange, but that incident came to mind as I was reading Genesis 1 & 2 recently.  God created the world and then gave Adam and Eve authority to rule over it. (Their authority and “jurisdiction” were a bit more significant than the officer who pulled me over.) God gave them free will, allowing them to choose His way or to follow their own path.

Everything He had given them was good, but it wasn’t long before Satan came in the form of a serpent and enticed Eve to doubt God. By tempting her to disobey Him and eat the forbidden fruit, the enemy implied her Creator might be withholding something desirable from her. He mocked the Lord’s warning that eating from the tree would lead to death:

“‘You will not certainly die,’ the serpent said to the woman. ‘For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’ When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.” (Genesis 3:4-6, NIV)

By choosing to disobey, Adam and Eve unknowingly relinquished the authority God had given them at creation. They were too naïve to understand that everything under their authority would fall when they fell. Their actions brought a curse on all of creation and gave Satan authority over all that God had given them. The world would be under his jurisdiction from that point forward.

Because of this, Satan could legitimately claim authority over the earth when he tempted Jesus many years later: “The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, ‘I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours’” (Luke 4:5-7, NIV). Fortunately, Jesus refused the enemy’s temptation and succeeded in obeying His Father where Adam and Eve had failed. During Christ’s life on earth, He set aside His nature as God and lived as a human so He could pay the penalty for the sins of humankind:

“[Jesus] Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:6-8, NIV)

When God resurrected Jesus from death, Satan was defeated and stripped of his authority: “For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive… Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet” (1 Corinthians 15:21-22, 24-25, NIV).

Jesus commands ultimate authority and respect and, as His followers, we have access to that same authority. Jesus said to His disciples: “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you” (Luke 10:18-19, NIV). He returned us to the original place of authority for which we were created. He also gave us the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us (see Acts 2:38-39).

We have jurisdiction over the earth– it is ours to reclaim, if only we will recognize this and act upon it.  Satan was defeated at the cross, but he will continue to wreak havoc on the earth until Jesus returns. There’s no need to fear, however, because we know how the story ends: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you” (Romans 16:20, NIV).

Do you understand the authority God has given you? Are you using it to combat the enemy and to expand the Lord’s kingdom in your spheres of influence?

If you want to learn more about these concepts, consider reading Charles Kraft’s book I Give You Authority, which provided the inspiration for this post. The information here is only a brief overview of this weighty topic.

Jen Wilkin, God of Creation: A Study of Genesis 1-11, Lifeway Press 2017

Eliminate Idols; Build God’s Kingdom- Final Thoughts on No Other Gods

Moving the colorful troops around on the game board seems fairly simple. But if you‘ve ever played the game of “Risk,” you know it’s actually quite complicated. Dubbed “The Game of Global Domination,” the rules written by Parker Brothers explain: “Play the commander of vast armies, a general of superior strategy and a tactician unlike any mankind has ever seen. Your goal is simple: to take over the world.”

Each player claims a portion of a large fictionalized world map and challenges opponents to battles. Using a combination of rolling dice and drawing cards that determine a player’s advantages and limitations, players must calculate attack and defense strategies. The game can last for hours. I pictured the large world map and the tiny game pieces as I thought about what happens when we leave idols behind to focus fully on God.

Why, you may ask, would a board game prompt such thoughts? The answer is simple: some of us are so consumed with our own circumstances that we don’t realize we have the opportunity to expand God’s kingdom on earth, like spreading more of His troops across the map on the game board. Once we’re ready to leave our personal agendas behind and trust His will above our own, we discover what the abundant life God promises is really all about.

In the book of Joshua, the Israelites expanded God’s physical kingdom on earth when they entered the Promised Land and began taking possession of it. We have the opportunity to do something similar on a spiritual level every day. It’s all part of living out the phrase in the Lord’s Prayer that says “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10) Yet sometimes we focus so much on our personal relationship with God that we overlook the fact that we’re called to look beyond ourselves. Claiming Jesus as Savior should go hand in hand with increasing His rule and reign on earth.

Back in Genesis, God’s original plan was to use Adam and Eve to spread His kingdom. He made them in His image, gave them authority over the earth and said, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.” (Genesis 1:28, NIV) Sadly, when Satan succeeded in tempting them in the Garden of Eden, their choice to disobey God brought sin into the world. This caused the authority originally given to them to be passed to the devil. Although God had ultimate sovereignty, the enemy was (and still is) temporarily granted authority because of Adam and Eve’s choice to sin.

The good news is God’s kingdom still exists in its fullness in heaven. By doing His will, we increase His kingdom on earth. Author, Bible scholar, and Anglican Bishop N.T. Wright explains: “God intends his wise, creative, loving presence and power to be reflected…into his world through his human creatures. He has enlisted us to act as his stewards in the project of creation. And, following the disaster of rebellion and corruption [that took place in the Garden of Eden], he has built into the gospel message the fact that through the work of Jesus and the power of the Spirit, he equips humans to help in the work of getting the project back on track.”

Imagine the example of the game I described. Although God ultimately owns the “game board” (the world) and all of the pieces, the enemy has been given a temporary seat at the table. For a time, he has the opportunity to strategize about how he can thwart God’s kingdom from spreading on earth. Still, many people who love the Lord remain passive as events unfold, not understanding they’re meant to play a part in His ongoing plan to expand His kingdom on earth. Those who realize it help to reclaim the world for good instead of letting it languish in evil.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, followers of Jesus reflect creation as God intended it to be. Once we eliminate the idols that hinder us and make room for God, we’re ready to change the atmosphere in our world. Engaging in the adventure of building God’s kingdom on earth brings joy, hope and fulfillment in a way that idols never will. Understanding this makes the hollow things we used to cherish seem flimsy, insignificant and useless by comparison. Loving God with all of our hearts, souls, minds and strength enables Him to do amazing things through us. The ripple effects cause His kingdom to spread throughout the earth, preparing it for the day when John’s prophecy about heaven and earth merging will become a reality:

“Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:3b-4, NIV)

There are two songs that have impacted me deeply as I’ve considered the part we play in furthering God’s kingdom on earth: “With Every Act of Love” by Jason Gray and “Build Your Kingdom Here” by Rend Collective. Both provide tangible examples and inspiring perspectives about this topic. Rend Collective’s song also prompted me to write a prayer about this compelling subject. Would you consider praying it with me?

God, unleash your kingdom’s power, reaching near and far. We know no force of hell can stop your beauty from changing hearts. You made us for much more than the comfort and security we seek from idols. Awake the kingdom seed in us. Fill us with the strength and love of Christ. We are your church; let us always be reminded that we are the hope on earth! Build your kingdom here; let the darkness fear. Show your mighty hand; heal our streets and land. Set your church on fire, win this nation back; change the atmosphere. Build your kingdom here, we pray.

v=3q7xnR9E3gohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3q7xnR9E3go

Kelly Minter, No Other Gods: Confronting Our Modern Day Idols, Lifeway Press, 2007, 2012.

N.T. Wright, Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection and the Mission of the Church, HarperOne, 2008, p. 207.

Claiming Your Spiritual Authority- The Armor of God Part 1

Have you ever wondered how Satan got any authority in the first place? Have you ever considered what it took for God to get it back for us?

img_9369

Studying the armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-20 helps us to recognize we are not powerless when under spiritual attack. But have you ever stopped to wonder why Satan has any power over us at all? Ever wondered how he got any authority in the first place? Have you ever considered what it took for God to get it back for us?

If you want to understand the bigger picture, put a bookmark in Ephesians and flip back to Genesis and the beginning of time. You’re probably familiar with the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 1-3, but maybe you haven’t connected it with studying the Armor of God.

Just after creating Adam and Eve, God blessed them and said: “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” (Genesis 1:28, NIV)

In these statements, God gave Adam and Eve authority to rule over the world. They had the free will to choose to do things his way or to follow their own path. Although everything he had given them was good, it wasn’t long before Satan came in the form of a serpent and enticed Eve to doubt God. By tempting her to disobey, the crafty snake implied God might be withholding something desirable from her.

Here’s a portion of the story, starting with Satan convincing Eve to disobey God: “’God knows that when you eat from [the tree] your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’ When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.”(Genesis 3:5-7, NIV)

Although God remained the ultimate and sovereign authority, he allowed Adam and Eve to exercise their free will, even though it went against him. By choosing to disobey him, Adam and Eve gave away the authority he had given them at creation. Sadly, they were too naïve to understand the consequences. They failed to realize that everything under their authority would fall when they fell. Their actions brought a curse on all of creation and gave Satan authority over all that God had given them.

Many years later, when Jesus was just beginning his earthly ministry, Satan showed his legitimate authority over the earth when he tempted Jesus: “The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, ‘I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.’” (Luke 4:5-7, NIV)

In this encounter, Jesus retraced Adam and Eve’s footsteps to the point of temptation. However, instead of giving in to it, he chose obedience to God and refused Satan. During his life on earth, he set aside his nature as God so that he could live as a human: “[Jesus] Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”  As the only sinless man, he willingly paid the debt for the sins of humankind: “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:6-8, NIV)

When God resurrected Jesus from death, Satan was defeated and stripped of his authority: “For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.”  (1 Corinthians 15:21-22, NIV)

Jesus returned us to the original place of authority for which we were created. He was there when Satan fell from heaven at the beginning and he restored what was lost in the Garden of Eden through his death and resurrection. He said to his disciples: “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” (Luke 10:18-19, NIV)

Although Satan has temporary authority until Christ’s return, we have power through Jesus to overcome the enemy every day. There is no need to fear. Ultimately, we can rest in the knowledge that God will keep the promise he made to Eve when he said her offspring would eventually crush the serpent’s head (see Genesis 3:15). The apostle Paul reminds us of this saying: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” (Romans 16:20a, NIV)

If you are a follower of Jesus, God has given you spiritual authority. It is yours to claim, if you choose. Knowing how to use his authority requires diligent study and application of God’s Word. Priscilla Shirer’s The Armor of God is a great way to awaken to this amazing truth. When you apply what you learn, you’ll unleash God’s rule and reign in your life, you’ll combat the enemy and you’ll impact others for God’s kingdom.

For a reminder of God’s greatness and how it affects us, click on the link and enjoy Phil Wickham’s song “Your Love Awakens Me.”

Continue reading “Claiming Your Spiritual Authority- The Armor of God Part 1”