Seated next Jesus: Operating from the Position of Authority in the Spirit September 6

In an online course, we have been exploring the concept of the devil as a serpent and the idea that fallen angels can take on the form of a serpent or snake. This concept has deep roots in biblical scriptures, and I want to delve into some of these references and their significance.

One of the earliest references to the serpent as a symbol of deception is found in the book of Genesis (Genesis 3:1-6). It's here that we see the devil, in the form of a serpent, deceiving Eve into eating the forbidden fruit. Adam also partook in this act, leading humanity into a sinful nature and death.

Throughout the Bible, we encounter various references to the serpent. In the book of Exodus (Exodus 16:14-15, Exodus 17:1-7), after the Israelites left Egypt, God provided them with manna from heaven (Jesus is the bread of life - John 6:48-51), often referred to as the bread of life. They also received water from a rock (indicating blood of Christ - 1 Corinthians 10:4) when Moses struck it at God's command, sustaining them in the desert.

However, the Israelites rebelled against God's ways and desired quail and meat, even contemplating a return to Egypt. In response to their murmuring and complaints, God allowed snakes to bite them, causing many deaths. When the people repented, God instructed Moses to craft a pole with a snake on it. Those bitten could look upon the serpent, and its venom would no longer harm them (Numbers 21:4-9).

The connection between the devil taking on the serpent's form and these venomous snakes sent to punish the Israelites is intriguing. In the New Testament, Jesus alludes to this symbolism when he speaks of himself as the snake on the pole, foreshadowing his crucifixion (John 3:14-15). In this act, Jesus takes on humanity's sin, becoming sin itself, just as the serpent deceived Adam and Eve in the beginning.

In Genesis, there is a prophecy that the woman's seed would crush the head of the serpent, signifying Jesus (Genesis 3:15). This was God's plan to redeem humanity and bridge the gap between us and God, ultimately rescuing us from death's grasp. Jesus also promises believers the power to handle snakes (devils) and that snake bites, as well as scorpion stings, will not harm them (Mark 16:17-18). This assurance is a result of what Jesus accomplished through his sacrifice—giving his body and shedding his blood.

When we partake in communion, the bread symbolizes Jesus's body, and the wine his blood. This act signifies our acceptance of Jesus's sacrifice for our sins, cleansing us and renewing our spirits. By keeping our focus on Jesus, we are protected, just as the Israelites were when they followed Moses' instructions. However, when we sin and turn away from God's ways, we open the door for the devil and his minions (snakes) to wreak havoc in our lives. Sickness, poverty, and other troubles may result from this separation from God. Repentance and communion are the means to heal these wounds in our souls and rid ourselves of the serpents we've allowed in.

In moments of repentance, prayer, meditation on God's Word, and communion, we can cleanse our souls and renew our spirits. Just as snakes fear fire, invoking the glory and fire of God can expose and drive out the spiritual snakes that have taken residence within us. Paul's encounter with the snake and him not dying but shaking it off on Malta serves as a physical example of this principle (Acts 28:1-6). We can shake the snakes off us. As we partake in communion with faith and remember what Christ did for us, we find protection, healing, wisdom, and all that we need. This practice keeps the serpents—representative of fallen angels and demonic spirits—at bay.

To summarize, serpents symbolize the influence of the devil that can enter our lives through sin. However, through the body and blood of Jesus in communion, prayer, and worship, we can cast out these serpents, remain under God's protection, and tread on serpents without fear. This spiritual cleansing empowers us to prosper, be blessed, and share the good news with others, offering them the same benefits of faith in Christ.