NO BIBLE NO BREAKFAST DAILY BIBLE REFLECTIONS AND MORE

POWERS AND AUTHORITIES DISARMED (NAHUM 3:1-13)

REFLECTION

“Powers and authorities disarmed” is the theme for our reflection. Power refers to the ability or potential for an individual to influence others and control their behaviour. Authority refers to the legal and formal right to give commands and make decisions. In other words, power is generic but authority can be given or taken. It means that a person can have both power and authority. To be deprived of one’s ability to cause harm or injury, especially, with power or authority one has. We shall reflect on the fact that God has the power to disarm any oppressive spiritual power and human authority.

Dear friend, God has the final power to disarm any oppressive spiritual power and wicked human authority. The people of Nineveh or the Assyrians thought they had the authority from their spiritual powers to oppress or suppress Israel. However, Israel’s battles from time immemorial have always been won by an unsurmountable power. A power that is above all other powers and beyond every authority in the universe. This power is seen in the judgment brought upon Nineveh when the prophet Nahum said, “all because of the wanton lust of a prostitute, alluring, the mistress of sorceries, who enslaved nations by her prostitution and peoples by her witchcraft. 5 “I am against you,” declares the LORD Almighty. “I will lift your skirts over your face. I will show the nations your nakedness and the kingdoms your shame. 6 I will pelt you with filth, I will treat you with contempt and make you a spectacle. 7 All who see you will flee from you and say, ‘Nineveh is in ruins —who will mourn for her?’ Where can I find anyone to comfort you?” (Nahum 3:4-7). In other words, God will disarm the spiritual powers of the Assyrians and bring shame and destruction upon their human authorities and Kingdom.

This a message of great encouragement to those who continue to have faith and trust in the Lord. Jesus continued in this triumphant power during His earthly ministry. His power and authority are summed in Luke 4:18-19 when he says ”  “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” (Luke 4:18-19). It is for this reason, Jesus said to us “Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you” (Luke 10:19) Paul also reminded us that “… we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:12-13). God does not only have the power to fight or destroy our enemies but He also gives us authority to overcome them through the whole armour of God. Again, John assured us when he wrote,  “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4).  Beloved in the Lord, we are to remain faithful and obedient children of God so that the spiritual enemies and wicked human authorities working against our lives shall be disarmed according to the will and power of God at work in us through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Never be discouraged or be afraid of powers of darkness and those who conspire against your life for “‘In him (God) we live and move and have our being’; (Acts 17:28)

In summary, we have been greatly empowered and encouraged that God has the power to disarm any oppressive spiritual power and human authority in our lives Let us continue to pray and walk in faith for our deliverance and protection from the plans and orchestrations of these spiritual powers and sinister human authorities. Shalom.

PRAYER
Thank you Lord for protecting us from the powers and authorities fighting against our lives. May the Holy Spirit strengthen us to always remain faithful and obedient to You. Amen.