Are We Empowered Warriors or Humble Servants?
In this article, you will learn how Luke 10:19 contradicts Ecclesiastes 9:11, Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:19, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Ephesians 6:12, James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:8 and Philippians 2:3. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible, a revered text, offers a tapestry of teachings that sometimes appear to pull us in different directions. On one hand, Luke 10:19 portrays an empowering image: Jesus granting authority to his disciples, enabling them to tread on serpents and scorpions, representing a triumph over harm and evil. It's like receiving a superhero cape, symbolizing strength and protection.
But let's examine other parts of this multifaceted book. Ecclesiastes 9:11 introduces a stark contrast, highlighting that chance and time, rather than sheer power, dictate outcomes. It's akin to reminding us that even the fastest runner can't always secure victory.
In Matthew 5:44, believers are told to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. Here, the emphasis on love overcomes the notion of overcoming enemies through force. Meanwhile, Romans 12:19 instructs us to leave vengeance to God. It's like being told to step back and let a master artist do the painting, rather than take matters into our own hands.
The message of 2 Corinthians 12:9 about finding strength in weakness challenges the empowering tone of Luke 10:19. Imagine learning that true strength lies not in the cape we wear but in our vulnerability. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our battles are spiritual, not against physical enemies, suggesting a different kind of warfare.
James 4:6 and Philippians 2:3 advocate for humility, seemingly at odds with the notion of triumph over evil. Consider a humble servant who finds joy not in conquering but in serving others. Finally, 1 Peter 5:8 warns us of the devil's power, urging vigilance rather than reliance on personal authority.
These verses might feel like different chapters in a novel, each with its own moral, challenging us to balance empowerment with humility and reliance on divine strength. How do these distinct messages inform your journey?
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Luke 10:19 | Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. |
| 2. | Ecclesiastes 9:11 | I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. |
| 3. | Matthew 5:44 | But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; |
| 4. | Romans 12:19 | Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. |
| 5. | 2 Corinthians 12:9 | And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. |
| 6. | Ephesians 6:12 | For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. [flesh...: Gr. blood and flesh] [spiritual...: or, wicked spirits] [high: or, heavenly] |
| 7. | James 4:6 | But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. |
| 8. | 1 Peter 5:8 | Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: |
| 9. | Philippians 2:3 | [Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. |