Struggles Against Satan

Struggles Against Satan

 

The golden statue above stands in St. Michel Cathedral (ca 1400s) in Brussels, Belgium.  It well depicts this verse in Revelation:
  "Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world..." Revelation 12:7-9.

We have visited many cathedrals and significant buildings around the world, and I have been struck by how many of these places feature a statue or painting of the angel Michael defeating a dragon or depiction of Satan who is also referred to as a dragon.

The carving above is on the Town Hall (ca 1454) in Brussels.  The front and sides of the building are filled with beautifully carved statues of all kinds.  I especially liked this one of the angel Michael -
   "But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you” Judges 1:9

This wicked looking carving is a depiction of the ugly devil under the foot of the angel Michael (below).  It's in the Church of St. Catherine in Brussels.  I rotated the picture upward so that we could more fully see the evil expression on the ancient enemy's face.  Such things help remind us:  "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground..." Ephesians 6:12-13.



Although we must always "be aware" of the evil one and his demons that are so active in our world today, we should also "beware" of falling for their subtle schemes to pull us from walking in the light.  We also need to take great encouragement, hope and strength from the fact that "Greater is He that is in us (as Christians) than he that is in the world."  The Lord will help us in our daily fight - and He will ultimately win the war when His time is right.

 

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" James 4:7.

 

"For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone" Psalm 91:11-12.

 

Praise God, HE is in control - and He loves us SO much!