1 Corinthians 9:18, 26 English Standard Version (ESV) What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.

Ephesians 6:12 English Standard Version (ESV) For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Our struggles are in the flesh but the real battle is above our ability to inflict any real wounds. Thanks be to God that Jesus Christ has already won the war. Our enemy is a defeated foe.

War and rebellion in heaven is over and the enemy has been cast down. Unfortunately the enemy is eternal, an angel that cannot die. He can only be cast out. As an archangel he had great powers, the same as Michael and Gabriel. When Satan was cast out of heaven for rebellion he lost power and was relegated to the kingdom of dust, dead things, and all he can do is kick up the dust.

Sadly we live on dust, we were made from dust and we will return to dust. We can think in terms that Satan is kicking dust in our face because he lost and he is a sore loser. He has been given the title, Prince of the Power of the Air. 

Look to scripture to understand how this angel has any effect in our lives. The things connected to his realm are dead things. 

Deuteronomy 24:16 English Standard Version (ESV) Fathers shall not be put to death because of their children, nor shall children be put to death because of their fathers. Each one shall be put to death for his own sin.

1 Corinthians 15:56 English Standard Version (ESV) The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.

Psalm 51:5 English Standard Version (ESV) Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.

We inherited a life in sin and the only cure is to inherit life.

Luke 8:24-25 English Standard Version

24 And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”

Let us begin by observing that the disciples were afraid of dying. They woke up Jesus who was sleeping peacefully in the boat. What did they expect Jesus to do once He woke up?

This incident happened deep enough into His ministry that these disciples had seen enough to know He had supernatural powers. To what extent they thought Jesus might go to relieve their fears is unknown. It is likely that they believe Jesus is the Christ but they did not address Him as such.

Now Jesus has calmed the wind and seas and we see the reactions of His disciples. “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?” Now what they think of this Jesus they follow comes into question as to what extent His powers are the same as God Almighty.

They were afraid and marveled. They did not praise Him or honor Him. They suddenly have a new awareness of His awesome power. Now they have a dilemma that might have been the reason for being afraid and marveling.

Historically God had chosen men to do things beyond their abilities. Moses, Joshua, Gideon, David all seemed unlikely choices to perform God’s will. Now they followed Christ who might just ask them to do things they were not willing to do. Perhaps they were afraid of what He might ask them to do.

Herein lies our dilemma, are we afraid to ask Jesus what we can do for Him?

We would all love to answer as Isaiah did “Here I am, send me.” I’m in.

Just as long as I don’t suffer.