Devo Week 22 - Discerning the Unseen Realm

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” Matt.10:16

Year of Jubilee - God’s Favor to the Nations

Connection with others is a basic human need. Being seen and known makes us feel validated and valued, like we exist. When we’re ignored or neglected, we wonder what’s wrong with us and question whether we’re good enough. The feeling of shame experienced in an individual or group can be devastating. It strikes at our self-worth, our dignity — the very part of us made in God’s image that was blessed and pronounced as “very good” at creation. (Gen. 1:31)

WHO IS FOR US

Since the beginning, God has been restoring us back to who we are supposed to be. Our very lives, both individually and collectively, are meant to display His glory. A key part of the Gospel is God’s restoration of dignity and honor to individuals and nations.

We have witnessed such restoration happening among the Akeu at their New Year celebrations. When video recording and photographing their festivities, they exude great pride and joy toward their own language, culture, and native attire. Such things represent their identity as a people and differentiate them from other tribes. As their guests, just being there and joining in their celebrations have made them feel seen and valued. This is a tangible way of pushing back the darkness in spiritual warfare, especially for minority people groups who often feel neglected and ostracized. In honoring their uniqueness, dignity was triumphing over shame!

WHO IS AGAINST US

Satan endeavors to hide or mar the glory and honor of the nations. He does this through covering people with shame. We were meant to bear the image of Christ and reveal God’s glory.  Shame is like a blanket that covers the glory of God. Neglected societies, especially, are devastated by shame, often feeling humiliated and disgraced. Through shame, Satan tells us lies about who we are. It is a spiritual attack upon our identity as an individual or as a group. 

PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL BREAKTHROUGH

Father, thank You for the coming of Jesus and the Gospel of the Kingdom for us, both individually and collectively. Lord, lift the shame and restore dignity among the nations. Expose the lies of the evil one who seeks to confuse our identity. May we join You in Your mission to bring beauty out of ashes. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.