Certainly, the enemy desires to shake the faith of believers; he puts in long hours over time to do so. Destroying genuine faith is Satan’s goal, because faith is our shield from evil’s fiery darts (Eph. 6:16). Satan knows our active faith is the only way to please Father God, adequately appropriate and balance the powerful gift of grace, and serve in the love of God as his representatives to a fallen world (Heb 11:6).
Never forget this fallen world is Satan’s playground and the human mind is the site of the greatest spiritual battles to be won or lost. Remember, humanity chose to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Decisions and choices of both good or evil shape our future. We need divine Wisdom, Jesus!
The world’s hatred for the Christ should not surprise us; it began shortly after Jesus was born when [fulfilling Scripture] Herod ordered the killing of all male babies two years old and under in his attempt to eliminate Jesus (Jer. 31:15; Mat 2:16). It is why Joseph and Mary took Jesus to Egypt during this time. Hatred for Israel and Christ’s followers was prophesied by the Lord (John 15:18-19). This hatred for Jews and Christians is ongoing and, according to Scripture, it will be ramping up. We need righteous Authority, Jesus!
In our passage today, Jesus seeks to prepare his disciples for the hatred they will face as his followers. As well, he wants them to know the Father is sending the Holy Spirit to help them and future generations. Jesus is coming back to receive his holy Bride (Church) and to judge Satan and his evil followers. While we wait for the return of Christ, we have the Spirit of God with us; we are not alone. We need the Holy Spirit, Jesus!
Today, in our 10 Days of Prayer, we are focused on Cairo, Egypt as we pray for the spread of the gospel and the advancement of God’s Kingdom in the midst of great hatred. But, we also pray the same for this country, because this rampant hatred must bow to Jesus. May the Spirit break down barriers and lead people to the Truth!
John 16:4-11 NLT
4 Yes, I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember my warning. I didn’t tell you earlier because I was going to be with you for a while longer.
The Work of the Holy Spirit
5 “But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. 6 Instead, you grieve because of what I’ve told you. 7 But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate [Encourager, Comforter, Counselor] won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. 9 The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. 10 Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. 11 Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.
Prayer: Father, we thank you for the work of the Advocate, the Holy Spirit. We pray for the Spirit to convict the world of sin and the need for repentance. We pray for the gospel of Christ to multiply exponentially and spread over Israel and the Middle East. We pray for your righteousness to be revealed across the globe, Jesus. We pray for the United States to turn from hatred and evil and hunger for your righteousness; may believers across America boldly rise up to proclaim your name. We know Satan will face a final judgement and we ask for courage and endurance while we wait for your return. This battle is yours, Lord, so we yield to your will and ways while we praise and worship you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.