Throughout the biblical story there has been a sense of an enemy. From the Garden of Eden, to the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness, to the cross itself…there has always been something (someone?) lurking in the shadows, seeking to influence events in a manner contrary to God’s intent. It would be too much to say that this one is responsible for sin and all its consequences. Nevertheless, the battle for salvation is indeed a battle. There is a driving force that stands in opposition to God and his people. And though the Bible is clear that this figure (variously referred to as Satan, the Adversary, Beelzebul, Beelzebub…) is not God’s equal, it is is a force that must be reckoned with.
In this episode, the cosmic curtain is pulled even farther back – not just across space, but across time – to reveal this Satan figure (portrayed as a great, red dragon). In. Rev. 12 and following we get the clearest glimpses we will get in the Bible of the Enemy. And, more importantly, we see why history is unfolding as it is.
This is a sermon that was originally presented at Canvas (a Presbyterian church in Irvine, CA), August 31, 2014. To learn more about Canvas, click here!
To receive future episodes automatically, simply subscribe by clicking below:
