C. Peter Wagner: In a word fromJeremiah the prophet against Babylon
and the land of the Chaldeans, God
declared,
"Babylon is taken, Bel is shamed. Merodach is broken in pieces"
(Jer. 50:2,3).
The word "Bel" and "Baal" is a generic name for "Lord," and here it is applied to Merodach, as in Lord Merodach. He was "the state-god of Babylon" or the ranking territorial spirit over that nation.
In chapter 3 (of his book Warfare Prayer), I mentioned the enlightening passage in Daniel 10 where specifically the "prince of Persia" and the "prince of Greece" are named. (#37 Biblical Examples - Daniel )
It will not be necessary here to recount the details, but simply to reiterate the concept of territoriality. Old Testament scholars Keil and Delitzsch conclude that the "prince of Persia" is indeed the demon of the Persian kingdom.
They refer to him as..
"the supernatural spiritual power standing behind the
national gods, which we may properly call the guardian
spirit of the kingdom."
In summary, it does seem that, without providing a great amount
of detail, much of the old Testament is based on the assumption that certain supernatural spiritual beings have dominion over geo-political spheres.
Not only that, but it is important to note that these concepts carried through the intertestamental time to the Jewish people of New Testament times.
Oscar Cullmann says,
"This abundantly attested late Jewish belief that all peoples
are ruled through angels is present particularly in The
Book of Daniel, in The Wisdom of Jesus, Son of Sirach,
and in the Book of Enoch, and it can be shown to be
present also in the Talmud and Midrash...The existing
earthly political power belongs in the realm of such
angelic powers."
(Google image and emphasis added)
#53 The Prophets
By C. Peter Wagner
(pgs. 93-94) Regal Books
 Father, we see our need to understand that we're fighting against evil spirits, not people. May our spiritual eyes be enlightened to their destructive influences in the lives we come in contact with. Remind us that the name of Jesus is what is most powerful in coming against them. It's in His Name, that I pray. Amen.
Today’s Bible verse: Zeph. 2:7b "For the LORD their God shall visit them, and turn away their captivity."
Today's praise verse: 2 Chron. 5:13a "The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: 'He is good; his love endures forever.' "
Today’s quote: Bob Gass Ministries - "People truly appreciate it when you make the effort, no matter how small, to try and see things from their point of view. Paul writes, 'Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another' (Rom. 12:10 NKJV).
Everybody you meet is wrestling with a fear or fighting a battle, and if you're caring and sensitive God will give you a word that can lift them. Isaiah said, 'The Lord God has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary' (Isa. 50:4 NKJV). What a gift—to be able to lift someone who is struggling." (The Daily Devotional by Bob Gass ministries Dec-Jan-Feb)
Some thoughts today: When you read God's Word, the Bible, ask Him what does it say about His Son. (1 Kings 1 speaks of Jesus riding on a donkey...)
- Rev. 19:11-16 speaks of Jesus. Zech 9:9,10 is a prophecy of Him). - Judges 5:1-10 speaks of Jesus. Be on the lookout for Him all through Scripture, as it's all about Him!
4/2 Thursday’s post: #54 The New Testament
C. Peter Wagner 3rd- Friday's special post: Who is this Man? Isaiah 53 4th- Saturday's post: The Child (a prayer of hope) James H. Cagle 5th- Sunday evening's post: His Choice Joe Stowell
jean-oathout.blogspot.com (save to check in sometime)
Kindle $2.99
.jpg)
A great gift for someone who
needs help in their marriage
Bridal Shower Devotional
Bridal Wisdom for Women
My book in paperback $7.95
Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse |
No comments:
Post a Comment