Obedience and Opposition
Wednesday, November 26
Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Devotion
When Jesus was on earth, He said “I must be about my Father’s business.” (Luke 2:49) This priority guided Jesus’ words and actions. Jesus said further that He always did the things that pleased the Father. (John 8:29) Yet, Jesus faced opposition, as described in today’s verse. Opposition came because the ransom for sin and the path to salvation for all were in the balance. You see, Satan also fights to keep hold of those he has enslaved; he continues to this day to steal, kill, and destroy. (John 10:10)
As followers of Jesus, we will face opposition too, even when we are pursuing God-given purposes. Today’s verse shines the light on the real source of such opposition. The opposition is spiritual, and so is the solution. Spiritual armor as described in this letter to the Ephesians and elsewhere in Scripture equips us to address opposition and stand up under it. Cover each area of your life, work, and relationships in prayer – it’s all spiritual.
In the midst of this, let the peace of Christ rule in your heart, and be thankful. (Colossians 3:15)
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I confess I have often struggled with flesh and blood rather than with the principalities and powers. O Father, open my eyes to how I and those around me are oppressed and hindered by the devil and his angels. Show me how to wage war effectively with the sword of Your Holy Spirit, so I can both snatch many souls from the fire and stand in Jesus after I have done everything. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Jesus regularly withdrew from the crowds to pray. As we pursue God-given purposes with urgency, let us also deliberately pursue prayer. Put on the armor of God for your own protection and for overcoming opposition. Pray before the meeting, the job, the test, the activity, the evangelism, the works of service. When opposition arises, pray that God reveals and provides the way forward so that you can succeed and so that others will come to know Jesus. And give thanks and praise to our Lord Jesus Christ as the answers come.
Resources
- Which piece of the armor of God do you need to lean into more this week? Read Ephesians chapter 6.