p. 483 | The Power That Excels by H. Y. Russell

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Nov 1, 1883

The Power That Excels.

By H. Y. Russell

THE Scriptures inform us that prior to the coming of Christ, Satan will work with power, and signs, and lying wonders. 2 Thess. 2: 1-10. The book of Revelation speaks of miracles being wrought to deceive the world, just before the appearing of the Son of man. Rev. 13: 11-14; 16: 12-15. And Jesus himself, when speaking of the things which were to precede his coming, said that false christs and false prophets shall arise, and show great signs and wonders, to deceive, if possible, the very elect. Matt. 24: 23, 24. Our adversary has more power than is realized by the world. But the saints of God have no cause to fear, for angels are sent forth to minister to them. The psalmist says the angels excel in strength. Ps. 103: 20. They are God's ministers to act as guardians over those who fear him, and shall be heirs of salvation. Heb. 1: 14. They are mightier than the powers of darkness.

In Acts 19: 12-16 we find an instance of the evil spirits being controlled by the servants of Christ, and of their exercising their power over others. "And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul." The sick were healed and evil spirits went out of those who were possessed. But when certain exorcists tried to cast out the demons, they rose in anger against them, and the pretenders were glad to escape from their fury.

Why did the evil spirit impel the man who was possessed to violently assault the impostors who tried to cast him out in the name of Jesus? They did not so assail Paul when he commanded them to come out. It was because Paul was chosen of the Lord, and the power of Christ was with him. The impostors spoke in the name of "Jesus whom Paul preacheth." They themselves did not preach Jesus; they did not know him. The demons feared the power of Jesus; they feared the power with which his servant was clothed. They did not fear those "vagabond Jews," strolling exorcists, who sought to exalt themselves by using the name of Jesus as a magical "charm," while they had no faith in him. No doubt the demons were enraged that the name of Jesus was exalted over them; a name by which they might be subdued. And they manifested this rage even at the expense of the servants of Satan, their own master or leader. It is always thus with hypocrites and pretenders. They may exalt themselves for a time. Satan may use them to bring the name and cause of Christ into reproach, but he does not respect them; he will not protect them when they are assaulted. The magicians of Pharaoh did wonders, and received the commendation of the king whom they turned away from the message of Moses. But they were at length put to shame, and had to confess that the finger of God was in the work of Moses, for the plague was upon them also. And Paul says so will it be with those who in like manner oppose the truth by counterfeiting the miracles and power of God, in the last days. 2 Tim. 3. H. Y. R.