This chapter describes the fall of the ‘king of Babylon’. There was a human king in the physical Babylon, though this passage primarily refers to Satan, who is the king of the spiritual Babylonian kingdom.
“How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! You said in your heart, ‘…I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit. Those who see you will stare at you and ponder over you: ‘Is this the man who made the earth tremble, who shook kingdoms… and overthrew its cities, who did not let his prisoners go home?’ ” (v12-17 abr)
For all of recorded history Satan has been the usurper king who covets God’s throne and rules over this world (as far as God allows him to). Ultimately his true “power” will be exposed – he’s someone who lacks any true strength or authority compared to our One True God. Satan is a fraud, a con artist, someone who tries to sell you something that he doesn’t have the right to sell. One day he will pay the ultimate price for his sin/rebellion.
Satan doesn’t even have authority in Hell despite the fact he will one day dwell there (according to the scriptures). God is Lord over all, including Hell, the place of separation reserved for those who refuse to be reconciled to God.
I realize talk of Hell is uncomfortable for many people, because we like to believe that everyone will go to Heaven. Though everyone has opportunity to repent, unfortunately, scripture says many will not declare Jesus as King and Savior. The Bible is also clear that those not cleansed of sin will not be accepted into God’s presence in Heaven. I suggest we allow this to help motivate us to reach as many people as possible.
Let’s commit to loving everyone as Jesus would. Even if He knew someone would not repent and be saved, He still didn’t write them off or stop loving them, so neither should we. Let’s operate as if all people are equally deserving of Jesus’ love and forgiveness (which they are), and partner with the Holy Spirit to save as many souls as possible into God’s present and future kingdom.
Father God, our Loving and Steadfast Lord, blessed be Your holy name. Thank you for the work of Your Holy Spirit who transforms our hearts according to Your purpose. May we seek to obey Your promptings, and allow the Holy Spirit to transform the hearts of those around us. In the name of Jesus we seek to save to the lost for His kingdom and glory, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training