The father can only be saved by someone of greater ability. Thus enters, El Matador. He strides with poise, stops beside the father, arches his back, lures the bull by a red cape and points his sword directly at the bull. Staring confidently at the agitated beast he asks the father, "Are your children safely out of the arena?"
"Yes."
"Then stand still. The battle is mine. I will fight the bull." Now there is hope for both the father and children to survive unscathed.
Intercession is standing in prayer between heaven's throne and the bullish hierarchy of hell. The "bull" named Lucifer is a merciless murderer and liar. Unlike an animal, he knows how humans think. He cunningly produces fear. He intimidates. His foreboding presence empties the arena of a sense of hope. Doom drops like a curtain.
Intercession is war. During such ominous hours, you must stand firm by raw faith, confident that "El Matador" will deliver you. Paul describes the victor's strength: "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us . . ." (Ephesians 3:20-21).
Paul was not writing as a euphoric novice, but rather as a man who said he "fought with beasts" at Ephesus. Having no account that Paul actually fought wild animals, he is probably referencing the demonic powers that battled against him through Demetrius the silversmith, who inspired great trouble against him (see Acts 19:1ff).
Paul revealed how he prayed for the brethren: "For this reason I bow my knees before the Father . . . that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being . . ." (Ephesians 3:14-16).
Paul called upon the Great Victor, who possesses all-surpassing power, to give the Ephesian believers strength to withstand the threats of the bull. He told them in effect that the One who has conquered the world, the flesh and the devil stands beside them in the arena. So, fear not. The bull cannot defeat Him.
Paul warned against self-reliance: "Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 12:13). Only the Lord can handle the bull as you intercede. Although some trials may be prolonged, you cannot lose by standing against the devil in the strength of the Lord. Ultimately, the battle is the Lord's.
Immanuel: God is with you!
Your friend,
Ron
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