Resist the Devil and He will Flee
The disciple John wrote the book of Revelations. At the age of late 80 to early 90’s John received a knock on his door. Roman soldiers had come to arrest this man. Domition, the Emperor of Rome, demanded that John reject his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Because John would not reject his faith, Domition ordered he be burned in oil. Surely being submerged completely into this hot oil would kill any man. Domition was terrified when they pulled up (what they thought would be just his bones) and found John to be alive and well. John had resisted the plan of the devil and refused to reject his faith. He trusted the Lord to rescue him and He miraculously did.
John was then sent to the Isle of Patmos where he wrote the letter of Revelation to his brothers in the church.
Hearing Pastor Rick Renner expound on the background and meaning of several words used in this passage in Revelation1, was an amazing learning experience for me on Sunday at Eagle Mountain International Church. Let me share a few high points.
Supernatural Power is Available
The word John used “patience” in his encouragement to his brothers back home means “under a heavy load, but with a Divine staying power.” Pastor Renner explained that this divine supernatural staying power is available for any believer who pushes back against the devil rather than walking away. The believer is given divine endurance to hang in there and never surrender our territory.
I highly encourage you to to go EMIC.org and find the service of January 19th, 2025 and hear Rick Renner’s teaching. As you listen you will be strengthened hearing how Jesus had such mercy on all the 7 churches in Asia (who had serious defects.) You see that Jesus is the God of justice, but He is never in a rush to judge. He wants all of his people to repent before He judges. Jesus is not willing that any should perish. Each of us, however, has a free will to choose.
My High Points
In conclusion, my biggest take aways were:
- When we resist the devil and refuse to give in to his tactics, God gives us supernatural staying power in patience.
- John was close to 90 when he wrote several books of the bible. “There are anointings people have not received because they have not lived long enough to receive them.” R. Renner
- The newest medical report reveals: “You hit your peak at ages 60-90.”
- Say Goodbye to the LIE, “I’m too old.” Instead we say, “I’m in my prime.”
Jesus wants to invade each of our lives with His presence.
