Intercession

 And the people of Israel said to Samuel, "Do not cease to cry out to the Lord our God for us, that he may save us from the hand of the Philistines."
1 Samuel 7:8 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/1sa.7.8.ESV

The Philistines were the Russians of Samuel's day. Thankfully, the Israelites realised their hope wasn't in Egypt or Syria, but in the Lord our God. Samuel was Israel's representative to God, like Christ is His people's Intercessor against satan our spiritual enemy.

Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. We need to arm ourselves in God's armoury to defend and counter the evil one. God came through for Israel on Samuel's intercession. He thundered against Philistia and Israel routed the Philistine army.

Samuel did a blood sacrifice as part of his mediation between Israel and God. Jesus shed His own blood on behalf of His people, to be reconciled to God. The devil's destiny is destruction.

There's a greater world enemy than Russian or Chinese dictators. The devil is powerful, but only insofar as God allows him to act. His fate is sealed by Christ's death and resurrection.

God Almighty, thank You for Your Sovereignty over world affairs. May we trust You in all things, and in Christ's intercession upon our behalf, in His name we pray, amen'

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