For behold, He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind and reveals His thoughts to man, who turns the dawn to darkness and strides on the heights of the earth—the LORD, the God of Hosts, is His name.”

— Amos 4:13

Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit.

— Psalm 147:5

16 “Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

17 Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

— 2 Kings 6:16-17

And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

— Colossians 2:15

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

Have you wondered what’s behind the curtain of sin in this world? From slights to injustices, from mayhem to murder, what motivates jealousy, rage, and violence? To a degree, we can see and perhaps even understand some of the surface tension that erupts into conflict. Disputes over territory, violations of freedoms, and power imbalances are among the countless conflict triggers that rage through humanity in seemingly endless ways.

The Bible showcases an epic spiritual battle between God’s holy forces and Satan’s wicked ways. We glimpse deep, mysterious, terrifying realities beyond what we witness and experience on earth. The cosmic battle that began in the garden of Eden will conclude just before God introduces the new creation. God reigns eternally over heaven and earth.
As time-bound humans, there is much we do not see and do not yet know. But through His Word, Spirit, and people, God reveals that the raging battle has already been won. God has determined when the end will come.