We are entering the biggest clash of civilizations ever—the conflict between what fallen men have built and what God is building—His kingdom. The two cannot coexist, and God’s kingdom will inevitably win. His kingdom is our promised land. Though God gave it to them, the children of Israel had to fight for their promised land, and we, too, must fight for ours.
The Lord said in Matthew 11:12, “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force.” The Greek word translated “violent” here could also have been translated “aggressive.” Either way, the time has come when timid, passive Christianity will no longer be tenable. The ultimate battle between light and darkness is now upon us, and we are beginning to see a new breed of “aggressive” leadership arise to prepare the way for God’s kingdom.
We know this is a spiritual battle, and we are not warring against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of darkness. Those who walk in authority to cast out demons have learned that demonic inroads into a person’s life often come through trauma. This is true with individuals, nations, civilizations, and cultures. With individuals, we deal with demons. However, with cities, nations, and cultures, we deal with principalities and “powers on high.” These are higher powers that possess regions and nations and dominate them the same way demons can dominate individuals.
We can cast out demons, but we must wrestle with principalities and higher powers (see Ephesians 6:12). Wrestling is the closest form of combat. It is also a form of combat where the most aggressive wins. The timid and indecisive will not last long in this fight.
There is a difference between authority and power. One can gain power over others without legitimate authority. This is how the devil usurped power over the earth, which God gave to man. However, he does not have authority. All authority in heaven and earth was given to the Lord Jesus by His sacrifice. He has chosen not to exercise it yet, to give all who would be His joint heirs a chance to be proven and trained in this struggle against evil. When this is completed, He will return to exercise His authority and power over the earth.
Though we know the ultimate victory will not be won until the King returns, we persist to prepare the way for Him by building a highway for His kingdom (see Isaiah 40:3-5). This highway requires both building and fighting skills, since we are building in what is now enemy territory. Like the remnant that returned to rebuild Jerusalem, we must work with a trowel in one hand and a sword in the other.
I John 5:19 explains, “We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” The “whole world” is presently under the power of the evil one, but it is an illegitimate authority. All authority belongs to Christ, and He has given us this authority over the powers of darkness to prepare the way for Him. Learning to walk in this authority is necessary to accomplish our purpose. When we walk in the authority the Lord has given us, we will dispel evil.
Jesus said in Matthew 12:28, “But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” The same is true with us. If we cast out demons by the Spirit of God, the kingdom of God has come to that place. If we are the Lord’s, this authority has been given to us to prepare the way for His kingdom.
What can we do this week to extend His authority in the earth and prepare the way for our King?
© 2023 Rick Joyner. All Rights Reserved.
