WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS
PICTURE? (Part 1)
The phrase, “What’s
wrong with this picture?” is an idiomatic expression stated when there is an
apparent oddity or unfairness in what has just been said. This week, however, we’ll
be using it in the literal sense of the word. We’ll be looking at popular faith-related
images or screenshots and deducting biblical lessons from them.
Our first picture is
one that has inspired, (and misled) countless millions around the world.
The above image is
probably an artist’s conceptualisation of the ‘eternal’ battle between GOOD and
EVIL: Satan on the left side, Jesus on the right, both locked in an arm
wrestling match to see who would overcome.
So what’s wrong with
this picture?
While this picture is
what Satan would have us believe is the reality of the spirit world, it SUBTLY places
him on the same level with Jesus. Even though he loses (as many internet
commentators conclude) he’ll just be a sort of “second among equals”.
So, let’s state this
as categorically as possible: SATAN IS NOT JESUS’ EQUAL!!!
They do not arm-wrestle
behind our backs, they do not engage in banters, quarrels, or any such like. Satan is a created being just like any of the
other beasts, seraphs, cherubs, angels, etc. in heaven. Rebellion did not
automatically confer on him the power to arm-wrestle God.
Even Satan’s so-called
“War in Heaven” of Rev 12:7 was NOT with God but with Michael and co. Satan is
not Jesus’ equal. Here’s a passage from Rev 20:1-2
“And I saw AN ANGEL come
down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his
hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, who is the Devil, and
Satan, and bound him a thousand years”.
Not ‘Jesus’, not even ‘Archangel
Michael’, but “an angel”, just one of the ranks, was sent to bungle him. Even
that does not automatically make him that “angel”s equal!
Jesus is the creator
of ALL things;
“Things in heaven and
on earth, seen and not seen – all spiritual rulers, lords, powers, and
authorities. Everything was made through him and for him”. (Col 1:16 ERV)
Jesus is not seated on
a pub stool contesting with Satan; He is seated in Heaven, “FAR ABOVE all
principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named,
not only in this age, but also in that which is to come” (Eph 1:21).
Not trying to put a
guilt load on us or anything but the disrespect of this picture wouldn’t have
been thinkable if God had not come down in the flesh to rescue us from the
bondage of sin.
Yes, He came as the
man Jesus and took on Himself our just punishment so that He can win the victory over Satan FOR US, (not for Himself), Now WE
are seated “in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Eph 2:6).
That means this picture is not just untrue
of Christ, it is also untrue of the ‘weakest’ Born-Again Christian.
“My people are destroyed
for lack of knowledge”. Hos 4:6.
“My people have gone
into captivity, because they have no knowledge”. Isa 5:13
“By knowledge the
righteous will be delivered”. Pro 11:9 (NET)
AMEN
More Blessings await
you today; you’ll not miss them in Jesus Name.
GREG ELKAN
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