World Affairs – and Spirits

August 29 – Today’s Readings – Ezekiel 28-30 and Psalms 59

There is complex Biblical thought found in Ezekiel 28. Here is the gist of it – behind all natural power and authority – nations and leaders and civilizations – there is SPIRITUAL power and authority.

In These chapters the city-state of Tyre, and in particular the king of Tyre is targeted by God for judgment. It is sure that the human king of Tyre was brought low because of his pride – but the real issue here was the “spiritual power” in Tyre – (Lucifer-the Devil)

“The word of the LORD came to me: ‘Son of man, take up a lament concerning the king of Tyre and say to him: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: ‘You were the model of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz and emerald, chrysolite, onyx and jasper, sapphire, turquoise and beryl. Your settings and mountings were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared. You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, O guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings.” (Ezekiel 28:11-17)

Do you see the great Biblical mystery? There are “principalities and powers” at work in this world. They are behind the scenes because; the “natural eye” can’t see them but they are very visible to God and to all those who “see” Biblically. This is why Paul says in Ephesians 6:10-13; “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”

This enemy is the same one who deceived Adam and Eve, throwing the entire world into the chaos of sin. Thank God – we have overcome Him by Jesus, the One who crushed the serpent’s head!

Questions:

1. Give another example from Scripture of “Spiritual Beings” working behind the scenes in world affairs.
2. Give an example from recent history where it was obvious that spiritual beings were at work in the affairs of this world.