”…the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before God day and night, has been cast down.”  Rev. 12:10.

My American son-in-law is a federal prosecutor.  He sees to it that justice is done by gathering evidence, while the defense lawyer would try to refute all the counts.  I admit that such trials always fascinate me.

In the invisible world appears the smartest, most experienced and convincing prosecutor or accuser, i.e. Satan.  His headquarters are “in the heavenlies” as ”the prince of the power of the air” (Eph. 2:2) and his co-lawyers are “the spiritual hosts of wickedness” up there (Eph. 6:12).

His distant base doesn´t mean, however, that he has lost contact with reality.  Towards God he always fails (Job 2:12 and Zech. 3:1-5), but on earth he´s successful when brethren are accusing brethren, i.e. when Christians accuse Christians.  This we sadly know.  Behind it all is ”the accuser of our brethren”.  If we are subjected to these accusations and get bowed down, our spiritual power is paralyzed, and the evil one is gloating over us.

If we see what´s really going on, and we resist Satan through the cross (”They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony”), the accusations must cease, and the words of the apostle become so precious, “Who shall bring a charge against God´s elect?  It is God who justifies.  Who is he who condemns?  It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.”  Rom. 8:33-34.  Indeed, Christ, the righteous One, is our ”Advocate with the Father”  1 John 2:1.

Are you under condemnation?  Remember, Satan doesn´t always appear as a roaring lion.  He may use good Christians sometimes in a very subtle way.  He tried to use Peter at a critical moment, but the Lord rebuked him with His “Get behind me, Satan!”  (Mt.16:23).  This story has repeated itself throughout the church history. 

Are you grieved because of false accusations?  Make use of your triumphant position in Christ and be grieved no longer.  Is the accusation a just one?  Don´t sink down in despair, but confess it if something is to be confessed in His light, where you will immediately be under the cleansing blood of Jesus.  1 John 1:7-9.

Then wash your face and strike up with one of the precious hymns about the cleansing blood of the Lamb!

-jn-

Nov. 2, 2010