As you know, Virginia's George Allen conceded his race to Jim Webb yesterday, giving the Democrats full control of Congress for the first time in 12 years. As the election conflicts end, battle for the future direction of the nation begins.

By contrast, the spiritual conflict raging for humanity will not end before history closes. In our Halloween series we learned that demons are real, destructive, and defeated. In recent days we have been discussing the origin of Satan, their general and our archenemy. Isaiah 14 does not seem to speak to the issue; Revelation 12 does not give us a precise time when Satan "fell" from heaven.

So what do we know about the origin of the devil? He is apparently an angelic being, so that he can masquerade as an "angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14) and fight with archangels such as Michael (Jude 9; Revelation 12:7). He and his demons are not as strong as Michael and his angels (Rev. 12:8), perhaps indicating that he was not the "chief" angel before his fall. He was apparently welcome in heaven at one point, as his conversations with God about Job seem to indicate (Job 1:6). But he has been cast down from heaven to earth (Rev. 12:8) and will spend eternity in hell (Rev. 20:10).

In the meanwhile, his work of tempting God's people and opposing God's Kingdom makes him the enemy of our Father and his children. He is a "roaring lion seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). So today is the day to run to Jesus, the One whose death paid for your sins, defeated Satan, and purchased your salvation. Today is the day to seek his help and protection. This morning is the time to turn to your Lord.

National Geographic told the story of a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park. After the fire was out, forest rangers began to assess the damage. One found a bird literally petrified by ashes, perched on the ground at the base of a tree. The ranger pushed over the bird gently with a stick. When he did, three tiny chicks ran out from under their dead mother's wings. This mother, aware of impending disaster, sheltered them under her body and wings, knowing somehow that the toxic smoke would rise. She could have flown to safety, but she refused to abandon her babies. When the fire arrived and its heat scorched her small body, she remained unmoved. Because she was willing to die, those under her wings would live.

Get under Jesus' wings. Every time the temptations and sin of Satan's demons attack. And know that the victory is yours. This is the promise of God.

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