But Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers; so the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. For every man threw down his rod, and they became serpents. But Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods...(Exodus 7:11-13 NKJV)
In many parts of the world, such as in Africa, unsaved men often display supernatural powers that try to mirror the real power of God. They use occult inspired satanic abilities to perform certain feats, often deceiving people and striking fear in the minds of some. To anyone who has been in those places or have experiences along these lines, you will know without a doubt that negative supernatural powers are neither just stories in Harry Porter books nor fantasies to entertain children. There truly exist men and women who have tapped into superhuman abilities through occult practices.
Similarly, in some other parts of the world where the supernatural is not so prevalent, we also see manifestations of things that try to prove exalted themselves to the level of God. There are atheistic arguments trying to prove they are superior to the truth of the word of God. There are humanistic ideologies born with the aim of relegating the truth of God and Christ to the background and banishing it from the mainstream. The Bible has always faced opposition through the ages and we know of many who have predicted its demise.
You too will sometimes come in contact with certain counterfeit manifestations, the rod of men, that will try to disprove the power of God in your life. There are also situations in your life that try to contest the place of God: a habit that says I'm as powerful as your God. A situation that says even your God is incapable of delivering you from its jaws. It might even be a person who has inspired fear in you holding you down with cult-like grip, trying to take the place of your true God.
However, the simple truth of our text today is this: whenever the true power of God gets on the scene all counterfeit powers have to bow. When the word of God, the name of Jesus and the holy Spirit are at work, every other thing will have to bow. When the original and the counterfeit compete, the counterfeit becomes lunch. It will be swallowed up.
God's power is superior to all. In Acts 8, we see a great example. Phillip arrived in Samaria and proclaimed Christ, healing many diseases and performing signs. However, before Philip came with the original, Simon the sorcerer was ruling the people with his counterfeit power. That reign ended when Christ's power was revealed.
How should you respond to this? Determine today that you will develop a healthy reverence for the power of God. Do not discount it. Do not accept that its expression in the practical issue of your life, such as overcoming diseases, sicknesses and limitations, are for the past. Refuse to allow any other counterfeit power to continue to reign in your life. Through prayer, let the power of God make delicious lunch out of the devil-inspired manifestations in your life and situations. It's lunch time!
Decision of the Day
I know God's power is supreme. Every attempt by human, situations and the devil to mimic it in other to contest His place will have to fail. I will learn to be aware of His presence and power in my life through the Holy Spirit. I will confront these counterfeits with the truth of His word and they will end up as lunch, swallowed by God's power.
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