Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Power over swine? Not a chance.

Something that struck me while I was doing my devotions today.

My Theology class is going through The Life of Antony by Athanasius. I do not recommend the book, nor do I agree with some of its teachings, but one of Antony's observations is highly encouraging to me, as I hope it will be to you.

'But if any one having in mind the history of Job  should say, Why then hath the devil gone forth and accomplished all things against him; and stripped him of all his possessions, and slew his children, and smote him with evil ulcers? let such a one, on the other hand, recognise that the devil was not the strong man, but God who delivered Job to him to be tried. Certainly he had no power to do anything, but he asked, and having received it, he hath wrought what he did. So also from this the enemy is the more to be condemned, for although willing he could not prevail against one just man. For if he could have, he would not have asked permission. But having asked not once but also a second time, he shows his weakness and want of power. And it is no wonder if he could do nothing against Job, when destruction would not have come even on his cattle had not God allowed it. And he has not the power over swine, for as it is written in the Gospel, they besought the Lord, saying, "Let us enter the swine." But if they had power not even against swine, much less have they any over men formed in the image of God.
'So then we ought to fear God only, and despise the demons, and be in no fear of them. But the more they do these things the more let us intensify our discipline against them, for a good life and faith in God is a great weapon. At any rate they fear the fasting, the sleeplessness, the prayers, the meekness, the quietness, the contempt of money and vainglory, the humility, the love of the poor, the alms, the freedom from anger of the ascetics, and, chief of all, their piety towards Christ. Wherefore they do all things that they may not have any that trample on them, knowing the grace given to the faithful against them by the Saviour, when He says, "Behold I have given to you power to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and upon all the power of the enemy."

This just shows how much greater the power of our God is than any other being's. It also gives a great perspective on the devil, his demons, and temptations: they have to beg even for control over swine. Pretty low state, huh?

Today, I am praying that you will remember how far superior God's might is to that of the temptations arrayed against you. Remember that He is in control and allows only what He knows you can bear. Think of a sports coach who makes you work out until your body burns. Why does he do this? To make you stronger. In the same way, your resistance to these temptations makes you stronger.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4 ESV)

Go with courage and certainty, brothers and sisters.

-In Christ,
Phil

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