June 24 At War with Spirits
June 24
At War with Spirits
“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 6:11-12
The problem with superstition in our age is not its force but its perceived folly. There are too many who laugh at the thought of evil spirits and demons in the air. Faith is meant for faith in things that are good like Jesus, heaven, the Holy Spirit, and miracles. Rarely do they consider believing in the existence of Satan and his hosts as having any practical impact.
Paul did not even argue the point of existence of evil and evil spirits. His focus of attention was on what we do about them. What should our response be to such a reality? Since the calendar says that today is Midsummer’s Eve, should we hang herbs of St. John before dawn on the door as they used to do in New England?
No. That may be fine for pagans or New Agers, but Paul tells Christians to put on armor that, like the power of God and the schemes of the Devil, is unseen. No dried herbs hung on the door today. No dried plants burned on the fire on June 24 or any other day. No. Paul tells us to put on armor that, like the power of God and the schemes of Satan, is unseen. Put on truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Holy Spirit. This is the only way to defeat the attacks of Satan.
Emotional fervor and tirades against the kingdom of Satan will not protect you. You would be talking to the wrong people. Talk instead with God. Listen to God. Demons scatter at such conversation.
Lord, my eyes cannot see the evil kingdom. So grant me Your vision to know that evil forces are real. Equip me with Your armor.