THE SPIRIT OF MOCKERY WILL BOW; THE GOD OF PEACE WILL BRUISE SATAN UNDER YOUR FEET!
We are in unprecedented times where the nations are raging against Christ’s rule (Ps. 2). There has always been this battle in the spiritual realm, but it is being exposed so that many will be made aware and be saved. Many others’ eyes are being opened and they are turning to walk with the Lord. Over the last months, the Lord reminds me daily (often more than once) to keep my eyes on Him, to come up higher and see from His heights. Even as the eagle moves upon the current of the wind and rises higher, we are to rise up in adversity, for from the heights we can more clearly see the battle and gain strategies to overcome. The Lord gave me such a strategy recently.
I had an experience with someone close to me and an evil tactic of the enemy was laid bare that I believe many are battling…the spirit of mockery. Mockery is intended by the enemy to bring offense, division and deception. In my case, the fiery dart came with seemingly reasonable words veiled in emotional subterfuge and laced with an undertone of mockery. It brought confusion and offence. I was hurt and filled with anger. I believed it was righteous indignation for the purposes of God, yet it caused a great division. I was burdened and the Spirit of the Lord was heavy upon me. I was pained that I felt such anger, division and lack of love. I asked His forgiveness and for His help to overcome these feelings so I could be restored in fellowship. As I sought Him, He took me to Romans 16:17-20.
"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all [men]. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. Amen." (Rom 16:17-20 KJV)
This is what is happening in our nation – “good words” and “fair speeches” are deceiving many! In the Outline of Biblical Usage the phrase “good words” is defined as virtuous, good, mild and pleasant; “fair speeches” means polished language artfully adapted to captivate the hearer! Are we not seeing this? My heart is burdened by so many that are captivated by those speaking things that are pleasing to the ear and soothing emotionally.
What is the answer? “Mark them…” The root of the word mark in this scripture, according to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, means observe or watchman. It also means the distant mark looked at, the goal or end one has in view! Recognize we are in war and the enemy is cunning and crafty to lay a snare; we need to be on guard as watchmen at all times and look out for those traps laid as mine fields! Positioned spiritually as alert watchmen, we will have eyes to see those being used by the enemy. Being wise unto that which is good and simple concerning evil is as Jesus admonishes in Matthew 10:16 – be wise as serpents and harmless as doves, and let the God of peace bruise Satan under our feet!
Certainly we may not be able to avoid those we are close to, but we stay away from those things that we know will cause offense and division if we aren’t being led by the Holy Spirit to speak the truth in love. We pray that if they are deceived that their eyes will be opened to the truth; and with a spirit of meekness, we teach and correct if the Lord directs. It is also very important to pray that if we are deceived, our eyes will be opened and our heart willing to yield to correction and direction! The nature of deception is that we don’t see. When I was angry and hurt, I was not seeing with the mind of Christ or the heart of the Father.
As I continued to meditate on these things, Holy Spirit quickened me to Isaiah 9:6-7, which declares the government of God rests upon Christ’s shoulders. One of the names given Him is Prince of Peace.
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this." (Isa 9:6-7 KJV)
I personally was pierced to the heart by the reality that in my righteous indignation I was as the sons of Zebedee (James and John), wanting to destroy others “for not seeing God’s purposes.”
"Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem, and sent messengers before His face. And as they went, they entered a village of the Samaritans, to prepare for Him. But they did not receive Him, because His face was [set] for the journey to Jerusalem. And when His disciples James and John saw [this], they said, "Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?" But He turned and rebuked them, and said, "You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. "For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save [them]." And they went to another village." (Luk 9:51-56 NKJV)
I find it extremely interesting that in Is. 9:6, where we are told the government rests on the shoulders of Jesus, five specific names of Christ are given. He has many other names given in scripture, but these five in this passage: Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. In Romans 16:20, it is The God of Peace that bruises satan…not Mighty God or Everlasting Father, but The God of Peace! Holy Spirit spoke tenderly to my heart, “When you allow Jesus to govern your life, the God of Peace bruises satan. When your heart is full of anger and offense, when you are divided from your brothers and sisters and allow differences of opinion to overshadow love, God will not fight for you! You are far from Him!”
After I was chastened, repented, and put my eyes fully on Christ again, immediately blessings began to flow into my life. Finances that had been delayed were released, new doors of ministry opened, and my spiritual vision was renewed. Anger and division keeps us from the blessings (natural and spiritual) flowing into our lives!
One of satan’s tactics in the end times is to wear out the saints. We are bombarded daily with an onslaught of lies and lawlessness; over the last few years we have seen in many states an incredible number of laws enacted or changed to subvert God’s righteous purposes. With 24/7 information availability, the enemy is using media to bring distraction, despair and discouragement, to bring us into offence and wear us out! Being provoked leads can cause us to be emotionally overwrought, which is also exhausting!
"And he shall speak [great] words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time." (Dan 7:25 KJV)
BUT GOD in the midst of us is still mighty (Zeph. 3:7) and He is always at work to bring about His will and fulfill His purposes in the earth! In His grace and mercy for our frailties, and His desire to use us in His Kingdom purposes, He shows us our error and His Spirit pours out effectual grace so we can once again be face to face! Every tactic of the enemy that we face, Jesus faced and overcame! Our victory is assured, in Him! Jesus will have His inheritance, and every knee will bow!
I hear the Lord saying, “I am doing a mighty work in your midst. Keep your eyes on Me, come up where I am and I will show you the tactics of the enemy and give you My strategies to overcome. Pray and decree as you hear and see, stay in peace so you can be free; keep your eyes focused on Me. Laugh with Me at the seeming advancement of the enemy, for he will fall in his own trap. As he seeks to bring division, I am dividing his ranks; as he sows confusion, his plans are being confused; as he seeks to kill, steal and destroy My glory, I say it is not the end of the story. For I will bring an end to every mocking tone, I will overthrow all prideful thrones, for the Glory shall be mine alone. My purpose shall prevail, My words will never fail; have faith and let My peace prevail.”
alanehaynes.com
November 23, 2020