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Word4Today Daily Bible Devotional

by Bob and Debby Gass

A Dark Pull

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‘We are not wrestling with flesh and blood.’ Ephesians 6:12 AMP

Now it’s true that some people use Satan as a kind of ‘Get out of jail free’ card for their own stupid mistakes. They blame their own lapse in morals on a ‘spiritual attack’ rather than take responsibility for what’s happened. However we should not downplay the fact that there’s definitely a ‘dark pull’ in this world.

When Jesus speaks of fulfilling God’s plan on the cross, Peter succumbs to the ‘dark pull’ and rebukes Him. Jesus sharply replies, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are in My way.’ (Matthew 16:23 AMP) Jesus isn’t mocking Peter; he’s addressing the real source of the problem. It’s almost as if Jesus looks straight through Peter and is talking directly to Satan. We know it’s spiritual warfare when the pull in us drags us away from God and His plans.

At the cross Jesus prayed, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.’ (Luke 23:34 NKJV) Again, Jesus hints that there’s more going on here than the people know about. A ‘dark pull’ incited the crowds to scream, ‘Crucify! Crucify!’ That’s how Satan works—manipulating people and tearing them away from God. Your battle is therefore not with people but ‘against the powers of this dark world.’ (Ephesians 6:12 NIV) This is why forgiveness is so important. Satan wants you bound by resentment and revenge, but forgiveness leaves you and the other person in God’s hand.

SoulFood: Deut 18:9–18 Dan 2 Isa 47:5–15 Acts 16:16–34

The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright 2024

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