The Snake is under our feet

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In January the World Health Commission made a statement that read: “Snakes – the Chinese krait and the Chinese cobra – may be the original source of the newly discovered coronavirus that has triggered an outbreak of a deadly infectious respiratory illness.” This has still to be confirmed and is contested by some however I find it very interesting that it may have been a snake.

In Genesis 3:14-15 (NIV) we read 14 So the LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, "Cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. 15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."

The Hebrew word for serpent is nä·khäsh' which can be translated as snake.

As many of us know, from a young age, this is where we get the idea of a talking snake tempting Eve in the Garden of Eden which resulted in the following consequences: • Separation/tensions between mankind (Adam and Eve were the only two humans and a sense of tension began between them – Genesis 3:16) • Increased anxiety for people (when Genesis 3:16 says - your pains in childbearing will be very severe – the word for pains is a derivative of the Hebrew word `atsab which means to worry. When a lady is pregnant the husband and wife have nine months of joyous expectation coupled often with a time of some anxiety – will the child come to term, will it be well etc. etc.) • There will be a time of struggle (Genesis 3:17-19) • There will be physical death (Genesis 3:19)

Separation, anxiety, a season of struggle and physical death all because of a snake.

The Coronavirus has brought;

• Potential tensions between people (have you been shopping some people don’t want to talk and appear at times to be scared of one another)

• Increased anxiety

• A season of struggle ( economic, social and personal) for many

• Physical death

However, if we go back to the original text in Genesis 3:15 God promises that the serpents (snakes) head will be bruised or crushed by a male from the offspring of the woman. In making the promise to Adam and Eve that the serpent would be crushed, God was also declaring cosmic warfare, the final defeat of Satan and the renewal of the entire universe. Ultimately, this is done through Jesus (the only sinless man to ever walk this earth), born of a virgin woman, who defeated sin and Satan by His death and resurrection.

For some of the early followers of Jesus despite their vulnerability when they returned to Jesus they were full of joy that even demons submitted to them in the name of Jesus. (Luke 10:17). Jesus said to them in verse 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. Now some argue that this commissioning was just for the followers at the time Jesus walked the earth, however we read from the Great commission (following Jesus death and resurrection) in Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV) the following instruction from Jesus: 18………………. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Note Jesus said ALL authority (including that to trample on snakes!)

We need to call upon Jesus for his power and authority. Remembering Ephesians 1:19-22 Ephesians 1:19-22 New International Version (NIV) 19 ...........his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,..........

Therefore, allow Jesus by his Spirit to work through us in overcoming attacks from Satan who is under our feet now!!

For more watch the attached clip - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLmlAJ-B5yo

#Coronavirus #spiritualwellbeing #prayer