God’s Power Over Satan
There is a powerful truth spoken by Jesus Christ that should intrigue everyone who is willing to be taught of the Lord. He makes a statement to the seventy-two that should give all of us the same joy, “…rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20b) Prior to this truth is another truth, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” (Luke 10:18) Spiros Zodhiates gives us an excellent understanding of “lightning” (ἀστραπή astrapḗ) and it’s usage in this passage of Scripture, “The physical phenomenon of lightning, [as a sign] for the swift completeness of Satan’s overthrow.” “The point of the comparison is the suddenness and power of the Divine working.” (Kittel, G., Bromiley, G. W., & Friedrich, G. (Eds.). (1964–). Theological dictionary of the New Testament (electronic ed., Vol. 1, p. 505). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.)
It is imperative that you understand, Jesus the Son of God is always revealing truths about Kingdom Authority over everything, including heaven, hell and earth. No doubt Jesus is remembering the power of God in dealing with Satan at the time of his fall. (Isaiah 14:12) Symbolically, through lightning, He is expressing the swift power of God in the authority given to the seventy-two as they saw demons submit to them in the Name of Jesus Christ. (Luke 10:17) The Lord in this teaching is also seeing into the future, the many contest with and victories over evil. (Spence-Jones, H. D. M. (Ed.). (1909). St. Luke (Vol. 1, pp. 272–273). London; New York: Funk & Wagnalls Company.) Satan’s counterfeit kingdom will face many set backs as the results of the ministries of Jesus’ disciples. (Hughes, R. B., & Laney, J. C. (2001). Tyndale concise Bible commentary (p. 450). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.) The all knowing Christ is thinking of the time when Satan and all who follow him will march over the earth, surround the camp of the saints and the beloved city [Jerusalem].” (Barclay, W. (Ed.). (1976). The Revelation of John (Vol. 2, p. 194). Philadelphia: The Westminster John Knox Press.) The Bible says, “Fire [comes] down from heaven and [consumes] them.” (Revelations 20:7-10) This attack on God’s people brings fourth an immediate judgment. (Walvoord, J. F. (1985). Revelation. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 981). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books) Just as all of nature has no resistance to the swift forceful power of lightning, Satan cannot in any way stand against the powerful forces of God.
It is like, only like the scene in the movie Thor, were Odin comes from Asgard to Jotunheim with a bolt of lightning to confront Laufey. Odin’s entrance catches the attention of everyone. Laufey is king of the Frost Giants, symbolic to all that is evil. During their confrontation Odin tries diplomacy, which is rejected by Laufey. With just a spoken word and a gesture of the hand, Laufey is thrown from the presence of Odin. In a flash Odin and all under his protection are taken back to Asgard.
The whole of Scripture teaches that Satan, the prince of this world (John 16:11) can not over power the eternal purpose of God.
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