THE
CHILDREN OF GOD - SATAN’S GRIEF
“The more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And
they were grieved because of the children of Israel.” Exodus
1:12
As Satan and the world is no match for God, neither is sin and Satan
a victor over the children of God - “Nay, in all these things we
are more than conquerors through him that loved us” Romans 8:37.
The more the child of God is afflicted the more we grow in grace and
knowledge of Him. This is because of Christ, not ourselves - “Ye
are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater
is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1John 4:4.
Our Lord knows nothing of defeat. He has won every battle and defeated
every enemy that comes against us - “What shall we then say to these
things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31.
We but need to stand on the bank of the river and watch the final destruction
of Pharaoh and his army to calm our fears. The deliverance of the children
of Israel is but a picture of a greater deliverance. It was by the affliction
of our Lord Jesus Christ that grace was multiplied for His sheep. The
grief of Satan is the growth of God’s kingdom through Christ’s suffering
and death. Shall those whom Christ purchased with His Own blood suffer
loss? Emphatically, NO! “This is the Father’s will which hath sent
Me, that of all which He hath given Me I should lose nothing, but should
raise it up again at the last day” John 6:39. As the children
of Israel were an uncontrollable burden and grief to the Egyptians,
so is Christ and His church to the world. Adversity is sent from the
loving hand of God to graciously force us to Himself. “These things
I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world
ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the
world” John 16:33. What Satan means for evil, God uses for
His people’s good. “We know that all things work together for good
to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose”
Romans 8:28.
-
Tommy
