When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. - Psalms 126:1-2
In my previous post Captivity of Zion (Part 1), I emphazied the fact that even Christians are not exempted from captivity. One very important question that will help keep believers out of demonic captivity would be to know how a believer gets into captivity. What reason(s) can lead to captivity in someone's life?
CAUSES OF CAPTIVITY
1. CURSES FROM ONE'S SIN
People, even believers can come under satanic captivity as a consequence of their sins. The Bible said, "the wages of sin is death..." (Romans 6:23). So, there is a curse of death hanging over the life of anyone who commits sin. The devil will capitalize on this to torment and frustrate such person at will until he or she reconciles with Jesus Christ through genuine repentance and acceptance of the lordship of Jesus Christ.
2. FEAR AND JEALOUSY IN THE HEART OF THE ENEMY
"Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph. And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we: Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land. Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses". - Exodus 1:8-11
The blessings of God experienced by Israel in the land of Egypt was so great that their Egyptian hosts took notice and were uncomfortable with it. They became so jealous of God's people that they sought for evil to befall the people. This was the genesis of Israel's slavery in Egypt.
Beloved, Satan is so jealous of God's love, grace and blessings you enjoy. He is even more jealous of the fact that you have the promise of a blissful eternity in God's kingdom. These reasons are more than enough for him to try and gain a oppressive control over the affairs of your life (Numbers 22:5-6). Though he lacks the right to attack a believer but the moment that believer falls into sin, he can capitalize on that to attack.
One thing the devil hates to see is massive sustained success in the lives of God's children. He definitely knows that our wealth will be used to fight him and win souls off his kingdom. He doesn't want us to sponsor those crusades that will deliver those he is oppressing.
The story in Exodus 1:8-11 reveals to us that the devil is a good strategist. He could forecast what will become of situations in the near future and begins to strategize with his predictions.
3. INHERITED CURSES
"The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow." - 2 Kings 5:27.
"In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge." - Jeremiah 31:29
There are situations where people suffer the consequences of the sins committed by their fathers and forefathers. The descendants of Naaman had a curse of leprosy hanging over their destiny because of the "sin" of Naaman.
Though with salvation we become "sons of God" and are translated from the kingdom of darkness to God's marvelous light, and delivered from such inherited curses (Romans 8:1), the devil often afflicts people (even believers) with generational/inherited curses if they go back to sinfulness or backslide (Matthew 12:43-45).
4. TRIAL OF FAITH
A Christian might suffer demonic captivity-like afflictions when his faith is being tried. A good example is Job (Job 1). Brother Job was such a wonderful and very obedient servant of God that God himself could attest to his righteousness. The Bible says he was a perfect and upright man who feared God. God could boast of him while talking to the devil (Job 1:6-8). But by the time Job's faith ce under trial, he suffered all manner of afflictions as though he was under a satanic oppression. One wonderful thing about trial of faith is that;
God sets the boundaries on how far the devil can go in trying the person. God told the devil never to attempt taking Job's life (Job 1:12). Definitely the devil can't exceed the limit and the trial will end on God's terms.
So trials of faith do not usually last long and always come to an end some day. Are you presently going through one? Hold on to God and be sure you are coming out better and stronger.
I pray that God, in His mighty power will terminate every form of captivity in your life in Jesus name.
Also read:
The Captivity of Zion (1)
This article is written by Pastor Fortune Ihunweze
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