..and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Revelation 20:10

God’s angels didn’t always fight.  Their warfare had a beginning, and it will have an end.  Let’s look at both events.

This war began when Satan was expelled from heaven.  Previously, Satan had been a high-ranking angel alongside Gabriel and Michael. He lived in God’s presence and led worship in heaven. Despite his privileged position, he committed an act of treason that resulted in his exile. Satan promoted himself.

Isaiah provides more insight into this event. ” I will climb to heaven and place my throne above the highest stars. I will sit there with the gods far away in the north. I will be above the clouds, just like God Most High. “(Isaiah 14:13-14) Satan felt entitled to the worship that God was receiving and believed he should be the one to sit on the throne. With this twisted ambition, his gifts became corrupted. Pride fueled his supernatural charisma, and he campaigned among the angelic hosts to join his cause. He was remarkably successful, influencing one-third of them to defect. God expelled him – and the angels who joined him – and sent them to earth. From then on, the kingdom of darkness has sought to thwart God’s plans. Angelic armies are sent to cripple their efforts. 

Angelic battles will have an endpoint.  God hasn’t seen fit just yet to send all demons into captivity, but one day, they will be thrown into the lake of fire.  None of them will escape this fate.  

For now, the battle rages on.  Daily, God’s children carry the Gospel to others and live their lives to the glory of God. Each day, Satan strategizes plans to corrupt the faith of every believer.  In the heavenlies, God’s forces are coming to our aid, bringing answers, healing, health, strength, provisions, and encouragement.  One day, they will rest.  One day, we will rest.   And we may learn ‘the rest of the story’ of what transpired behind the scenes when we walked by faith and not by sight. 

I get so caught up in my little corner of the world.  Enlarge my vision of Your kingdom ~ and of Your faithfulness beyond my range of vision.  Amen