Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

December 30– Evening

by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

“Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought them.”

—Revelation 12:7

War will always rage between the two great kingdoms until one or other is crushed. Peace between good and evil is an impossibility; if such peace were achieved, it would, in fact, be the triumph of evil.

Michael and the Lord’s angels will always fight. Jesus will always be the Dragon’s enemy. He will not be subtle or contained, but will actively, vigorously, and with full determination act to exterminate evil.

All his servants, whether angels in heaven or messengers on earth, will and must fight. They are born to be warriors. At the cross they enter into covenant never to make peace with evil. They are a warlike company, firm in defense and fierce in attack. The duty of every soldier in the Lord’s army is to fight against the Dragon— and to do it daily, with all his heart, and soul, and strength.

The Dragon and his angels will not decline to fight; they are incessant in their attacks, using any weapon they can, whether sophisticated or crude. If we expect to serve God without opposition, we are foolish. The more zealous we are, the surer we are to be attacked by the soldiers of hell. The church may become lazy, but her great Enemy never rests. He would destroy the church if he could. The servants of Satan share in the Dragon’s energy and are active in the battle. War rages all around; to dream of peace is dangerous and futile.

Glory be to God! We know the end of the war. The great Dragon will be cast out and destroyed forever. Jesus and those who are with him will receive the crown. Let us sharpen our swords tonight and ask the Holy Spirit to give us courage to take up arms for the conflict. There was never a battle so important– never a crown so glorious. Every man to his post, warriors of the cross, and may the Lord soon put Satan under your feet! [M&E]