CONSIDERING HEAVEN

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, RESERVED IN HEAVEN FOR YOU, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." (1 Pet 1:3 5)

Devotion 10 of 12

THE ABSENCE OF FRICTION AND HOSTILITY

This is most difficult to imagine, but you must exercise yourself to do so. The devil, together with the beast and the false prophet will be cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10). These are all competitive influences whose design is malicious. They all have an evil disposition and cunning wit. All are extremely dangerous, and can only be resisted by faith. All will be removed when we are "ever with the Lord."

So far as the saints are concerned, these represent the attack of the wicked one from three primary angles. The devil is a personal adversary, and deals personally with each believer (1 Pet. 5:8-9). The "beast" is embodied in worldly government and power, which, throughout all history, has eventually sided against God. The "false prophet" is corrupt religion, aiming at the promotion of confidence without a sound basis. It is a form of godliness that rejects Divine power (2 Tim 3:5). The individual submitting to this influence is exploited and robbed. The devil seeks to personally lure men into transgression. Earthly power attempts to subjugate spiritual influences, and punish the faithful for refusing to subject to it. Religious perversion makes every effort to deceive the people into accepting a form of religion that is devoid of Divine power. Every form of spiritual oppression comes from these three dark initiatives.

With the destruction of this inimical triad, we will no longer experience personal or corporate competition or hindrance. We will no longer be attacked, distracted, or maligned. Meanwhile, we labor on, anticipating the time when all of our enemies will be removed from the sphere of influence. There is coming a time when Psalm 37:10 will be fulfilled for every child of God. "For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; Indeed, you will look carefully for his place, But it shall be no more." Believe that, child of God, and fight the good fight of faith. "For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry" (Heb 10:37).

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Christ, I thank You for the anticipation of the total absence of any enemy or wicked influence.

-- TOMORROW: A CONTRARY LAW WITHIN --