There are two forces at work in the universe which are operative both in Heaven and here on earth. One is that of Satan, an "accuser of the brethren," who continually accuses God's people, seeking their destruction according to Revelation 12:10. The other force is that of the intercessor Jesus Christ who intercedes in behalf of our deliverance.
These two forces are constantly operative in the universe and you will conform to the spirit of either one or the other in your personal relationships, your attitude toward others, and by the words of your mouth. One writer said:
"In actual fact, we are all, not by turns but at the same time, accused and accusers, condemners and condemned...the persecuted became persecutors. We are accusers because we are accused, and accused because we are accusers."
Jesus silenced the voice of the accuser when He died on the cross because He bore the sin and shame of the whole world. When you accept Christ's sacrifice for your sin and shame, you no longer stand accused. The only way the spirit of accusation operates now is when you allow Satan to malign you or use you to malign others through unforgiving words, feelings, and actions, which often are a cover-up for shame. One pastor preached recently in a message:
"Although we try to disguise our judgments as `constructive criticism' or `Christian concern', our hidden attitude may be very different. By focusing on the faults of others, we can manage to avoid looking at ourselves. Sometimes we're even guilty of the very acts we criticize in others."
-The spirit of accusation says "You have a right to be mad. Look what they did to you!"
-The spirit of intercession, however, responds as Jesus did when He hung on the cross.
Jesus had every right to accuse those around Him, for He knew their sins and He was suffering terrible agony at their hands. Jesus chose to intercede in their behalf, however, praying, "Father, forgive them."
Christ continually demonstrated the spirit of intercession.
-To the woman caught in adultery, He said, "Where are your accusers? Go your way and sin no more."
-He aligned Himself with an unpopular tax collector named Zacheus, dined at the home of a Pharisee, and intervened when the disciples wanted to call judgment down through fire from heaven.
-When Satan planned to sift Peter "as wheat," Jesus interceded in his behalf.
Our accuser, Satan, constantly perpetuates three major lies, which doubt, destiny, and denunciation. Thankfully God gives us a way to silence our accuser through His Word. Praise God, we can shut the devil up!
No comments:
Post a Comment