“Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.” 17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” 18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10.16-20
Power can be good, but it can also be used for evil. Sometimes it is difficult to know how to wield the power we have been given.
Consider our own nation and its leaders. America is powerful. In situations like the one in Iran, we have the ability to use that power against evil regimes. Yet we must exercise it with great care and wisdom. We cannot indiscriminately destroy an entire country or its people. Instead, any action should be precise, targeted at those who perpetuate evil, while doing everything possible to protect the innocent. I am praying today for the people of Iran and for wisdom for our government and leaders as they respond to a dangerous regime.
At the same time, Scripture reminds us that we face an even greater enemy than any earthly regime. His name is Satan, the prince of darkness. Jesus defeated him—along with hell, sin, and death—when He rose from the grave on Resurrection Sunday. Through Christ, His disciples were given authority “to trample on snakes and scorpions” and “to overcome all the power of the enemy.” This is spiritual power over demons and evil forces.
We do not boast in this authority. Our ultimate goal is not displaying power, but reaching heaven by abiding in Jesus. This can seem confusing at first. We are promised victory over Satan’s schemes through Christ, yet we still live in a fallen world where we must daily choose to follow Him. The authority we have been given is real, but it is never to be abused. It is given so we can resist and defeat evil—both in the spiritual realm and, when necessary, in the physical world.
So how do we identify evil, and who decides who lives and dies? God alone is the ultimate Judge. We must discern carefully with prayer and wisdom. In the fight against evil, we must guard our own hearts so that we do not become like the evil we oppose.
Our first and highest calling is always to offer the love of God to all people. Jesus demonstrated this love by laying down His life for us. Those who trust in Him receive abundant life now and eternal life forever. From that foundation of love, we then resist evil—spiritually through prayer and faith, and physically when justice and the protection of the innocent demand it. We do all of this while trusting completely in Christ, knowing that without Him we have no hope of victory or survival.
Today I pray for those in positions of power—that they would not abuse the authority entrusted to them. I pray especially against the evil one who seeks to deceive and destroy. And I pray for the Lord of Light, who illuminates the darkness and who has healed us once and for all by His blood.
“O Lord, war is hell. It disturbs me deeply, and I pray for Your soon return. Come now, Holy Spirit—fill us with Your love and kindness. Help us walk in grace, surrounded by Your love, and empowered to defeat the forces of darkness in the spiritual realm. Fill us with Your love, grace, and righteous authority. I love You, Lord, and I trust You. Guide our world leaders toward the truth of Your love. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen.