An Enemy in the Kingdom

At one time this earth in its perfect splendor was the crown jewel of the universe and in harmony with heaven. In it dwelled two of God’s most precious creations, two beings that were created in the image of God Himself. Perfect in every aspect and feature they were brought to life by the life-giving breath of God. Every impulse and thought was pure and their characters reflected in every way the flawless character of God. Even the natural world was in perfect stability. And God saw that His kingdom was good.
The world today is far from God’s perfect kingdom. Humans are far from having pure impulses, thoughts and desires. Though humans may perform many basic functions necessary for survival and socialization, there are certainly many problems which plague the human spirit and limit one’s ability to achieve perfect function as God originally designed. The natural world has been greatly impacted by ecological instability. God’s kingdom is no longer pure, good, and stable for an enemy has spoiled it.
Through pride and self-exaltation Lucifer became an enemy of God and His heavenly kingdom. He chose rebellion over reconciliation and destruction over restoration. The sin that grew in Lucifer’s heart was not confined to his own thoughts and inner conscience. Rather from his heart came deceptive words and deeds and by these works the human race would become undone.
Christ often made references to the condition of the kingdom of heaven in his parables.
It was necessary for Christ to use different illustrations to bring light and insight to those longing for an explanation as to what was happening to cause so much trouble in this world. Many of Christ’s parables regarding the kingdom of heaven involved the description of an antagonist whose intent was to destroy and threaten God’s kingdom.
In his parable of the sower, Christ likened the kingdom of heaven unto a man which sowed good seed in his field and while he slept an enemy sowed tares among the good wheat. When the crops grew the servants noticed that there were tares among the wheat and they wondered what had happened. The sower replied: "an enemy has done this" (Matthew 13:28).
Satan is tirelessly at work planting evil thoughts and desires in the hearts of man. By tapping into pride and selfishness he will accomplish great destruction. In these last days it will become more evident what works are good and what works are evil. Those who are good will reflect the humility and meekness of Christ while those who are evil will reflect the pride and self exaltation of Lucifer.
The sacrifice of Christ has already vanquished the enemy but the good and the evil must remain until the harvest is ready; that is until mankind has run its course and decided for God or for Satan.