FOR WE WRESTLE NOT AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD
When Jesus said on the cross in Luke 24:34, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do," what made anyone think he did not know what he was talking about. Do not forget that prior to the statement on the cross, Jesus told his disciples that he was going to be arrested and killed. Upon hearing this, Peter rebuked Jesus. And Jesus' response? "Get behind me, Satan......". Actually, how about searching the scriptures and getting it from the horse's mouth:
"From that time on, Jesus began to show to his disciples how he must go into Jerusalem, and suffer many things in the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Then Peter took him, and again to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from you, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned and said to Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: you are an offence to me: for you do not savour the things that be of God, but those that be of men." (Matthew 16:21-23)
Jesus' response sounded somehow extreme and out of context. Some might even say that it is uncalled for. After all, it was Peter that spoke. So why the sudden attack on Satan? Does the phrase dealing with the problem right at the root give you a clue? Peter said it quite alright. But the idea was dumped in his mind by Satan and (or) his demon(s). Peter, of his own accord, and in his natural mind, will most likely not issue a statement that contradicts the will of God. Satan more or less is employing Peter as his instrument even though the disciple might not have been aware of it. Jesus did not bother addressing the stem or the branch; he went straight to the root. He did not waste his time addressing the puppet; he directed his attack towards the puppet master. Why waste time dealing with the glove-puppet when the hand manipulating its movement can be directly dealt with?
When Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do," he knew what he was talking about. The actions and utterances of his accusers and persecutors were being guided by unseen spiritual forces of evil. Individuals whose actions are motivated by the Prince of the Air (Satan), and his army of demons. Individuals whose thoughts are programmed with the intent to destroy or frustrate or hinder God's plan, will and purpose.
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12)
"And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him." (John 13:2)
"Jesus answered, "He it is to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, "Thou doest, do quickly." (John 13:26-27)
God bless
Yours
Adekunle O. Majek'
H I A F E M
Of impact, quality and excellence
That's the Spirit!
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