One way Satan seeks to tear down American Christians is by diverting them from their determination to dwell at God's right hand. America is a land of riches, of opportunity, of a myriad of interesting, challenging things to do. There are educational, scientific, technological, business, and entertainment opportunities begging to be exploited by the old as well as the young. There also is ready access to the most vile of the sins of the flesh.

Many of the diversions held before Americans would not be considered sin, such as proficiency in the developing of a comprehensive computer system when a much simpler arrangement would serve. But the time and energy devoted to this hobby can seriously or fatally impact our position at the right hand of God. Paul commanded us to set our mind on things above!

American Christians often are deeply involved in the stock market, in starting a business, in professional sports, in the development of a hobby or talent. They see nothing wrong with this. The problem is, their calling is to the Throne of God and they are neglecting it.

If we are called to be a saint, a holy one of God, we have no other calling!

It is in the context of a discussion concerning the royal authority of the sons of God that the writer of Hebrews asks, "How shall we escape if we ignore or neglect such a great salvation?" This warning was written to seasoned Christians who were neglecting to press past the Pentecostal experience and enter the rest of God. To enter the rest of God, the abiding place at the right hand of the Father, we have to overcome every enemy that comes against us. To obtain such perfect victory demands that we give our full attention to our position in God, not being distracted by any earthly situation.

Satan seeks constantly to take our crown by diverting us from our steadfast seeking of the heavenly mark.

In the last days the stars of God will be torn down. It appears to us that the stars referred to are ruling saints. They may be angels, but this seems unlikely. Perhaps the reference is to both people and angels, the host of warrior angels and the host of ruling saints.

All the stars of the heavens will be dissolved and the sky rolled up like a scroll; all the starry host will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like shriveled figs from the fig tree. My sword has drunk its fill in the heavens; see, it descends in judgment on Edom, the people I have totally destroyed. (Isaiah 34:4,5—NIV)

It is not likely that the interpretation of "the stars of the heavens" in the above passage is referring primarily to the physical stars. How could physical stars fall? They certainly cannot fall to the earth for they are many, many times larger than the earth.

To be continued.