therefore at that time certain chaldeans came forward and maliciously accused the jews. [daniel 3:8]
these charges were intentional, serious, and as the word describes them, malicious. these chaldeans are clearly influenced by satan in this attempt to increase their own power and subsequently put a stop to worship of the only God who is worthy.
we can see the influence of satan all around us in worldly culture today, and that influence results in all kinds of charges against believers. sure, most may not have the threat of immediate death behind them, but these charges still have the power to confuse, distract, and even turn believers against God.
charges like:
“you’re not loving”
“God would never judge someone like that”
“the bible doesn’t really mean that”
“you’re just being a bigot”
“if you really cared about people, you would _______”
and the list goes on…
the enemy is serious about destroying everything he can about the gospel and believers.
be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. [1 peter 5:8]
in the face of these charges, what are we as believers to do?
there are 2 options:
- shrink back and acquiesce to the world
- put on the full armor of God and go to war
finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. [ephesians 6:10-11]
the options are clear. the charges are real.
will you shrink back? or today, believer, will you look at the charges of the world and through the power of the Holy Spirit in you, stand firm?
o God, your power is made perfect in our weakness, so strengthen us today against the schemes of the enemy! we can’t do this alone. we need you! amen!
~ john sandman