God put humanity in charge on the earth (Genesis 1:26-28). But as soon as the first human beings joined Satan’s rebellion (Genesis 3) they effectively abdicated their position of authority and gave it to him. That is why Jesus referred to Satan as the “prince of this world” (John 12:31). And as long as we remain guilty and cut off from God, we remain under his power. Satan and his demons are like parasites who depend on human beings to ‘host’ them. They continue to inhabit the earth because we, who were put in charge here, have given them permission to do so. This tragic fact is reflected here in Revelation 18 where the world system, characterised as Babylon, is referred to as “a dwelling place for demons and a haunt for every impure spirit”. In connection with this we might recall also how Satan boasted before God in the heavenly court scene in Job 1:7. He boasted about being able to roam freely throughout the earth. That is why, in answer to Satan’s boast, God pointed to Job, as if to say, “Here is one person over whom you have no sway” (see Job 1:8). Such people are a threat to Satan because they signal his looming destruction. Every person whose guilt is forgiven and who steps back into their God given role is a threat to Satan. That’s why he accuses us before God (Revelation 12:10). Our guilt is his permission to stay in the world. But Christ has taken away our guilt. The more people realise this the less power Satan has. His days are numbered, and our victory is close at hand.
Pray for God to destroy the works of the devil wherever you see it most obviously at the moment.
Read Revelation 18:1-3.
