FRIDAY, JUNE 15
Daniel 10:13-21
Revelation 12:7-12

“… Now is come salvation, and strength,
and the kingdom of our God …”

CONFLICT IN THE SPIRITUAL REALM

Of the conflict between our Lord and Satan, we know little. But the little that we know tells us that Satan is a most dangerous adversary, and also very powerful. Our Lord calls him “the prince of this world” (John 12:31). He is also called “the god of this world” (2 Cor 4:4) and “the prince of the power of the air” (Eph 2:2). While he is a defeated foe because of Calvary, nevertheless his final judgment and destruction is yet future (Rev 12:12).

What comes rather as a surprise in today’s reading is that one of Satan’s demons (“the prince of the kingdom of Persia”) withstood the Lord for twenty-one days, the same period as Daniel’s fasting and prayer. Our Lord, to that extent, was hindered in His mission to Daniel, until Michael “one of the chief princes, came to help me.” Does this mean that our Lord is not all powerful? A comment by Whitcomb is helpful:

“Michael, disputing with Satan concerning the body of Moses, defeated him by simply stating: ‘The Lord rebuke thee’ (Jude 9). If one is shocked and offended at the thought of a demonic prince of Persia withstanding the Son of God for three weeks, what shall we think of Satan, likewise a mere creature of Christ, withstanding Him for thousands of years, until, at last, during the seventieth week of Daniel, Christ strengthens Michael to cast him down from heaven (where he has been accusing God’s people before God day and night) to the earth below (Rev 12:7-13)?”

Evidently, our knowledge of these matters is not complete! Satan’s rebellion, his continued defiance of God as the one “which deceiveth the whole world” and “accuser of our brethren” (Rev 12:9-10) remains one of the great mysteries of all time. Why God should temporarily limit Himself with respect to the operations of Satan in the affairs of men is entirely in the Sovereign will of our all-wise and all-powerful God. We cannot fathom the wisdom and judgment of God. He is ever and always victorious. Read Isaiah 46:9-10.

THOUGHT: When will Satan finally be defeated?
PRAYER: O, Lord Jesus, Thou art the power and wisdom of God!