Satan’s Designs

Can the schemes of the powerful ever undo God’s plans? Emperor Hadrian set out to erase an entire people—and history shows he failed.

“The Lord said to Satan, ‘The Lord rebuke you, O Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?’” (Zechariah 3:2).

Hadrian had had enough. It was 135 AD, and the Jews, once again, had risen against their Roman masters. So this Roman Emperor developed a “permanent solution.” Jews were to be removed from Judea along with all traces of Jewish life and religion. He renamed Jerusalem “Aelia Capitolina” and there built a temple of the Roman religion.

But despite these efforts, historical and theological perspectives suggest Hadrian failed to destroy the Jewish people, with the ultimate victory attributed to God’s sovereignty over Jerusalem.

God’s connection with the Holy City is made clear throughout the book of Zechariah. He is “exceedingly jealous for Jerusalem and Zion,” (1:14) and He has “returned to Jerusalem with mercy” (1:16) to gather His people together in their land. They are “the apple of his eye” (2:8).

Meanwhile, Satan still hates God’s people, their land, and Jerusalem. Yet, despite many Satan-inspired plans of men like Hadrian throughout the centuries, God has frustrated their efforts. The Lord has His own plan, and He will prevail!

Remember God’s sovereignty over world events and His ability to thwart Satan’s purposes. In Christ, you have all the resources and power you need to be victorious. Trust your life to God. Declare His Word to be true. Despite opposition, you will emerge triumphant!

Reflection Question: You can have confidence in God’s plan for your life and the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Zechariah 3:2 mean?

In the verse, the Lord rebukes Satan and affirms His choice of Jerusalem, calling His people “a brand plucked from the fire.” It pictures God defending His people against the accuser and asserting His sovereign purpose for them.

How does God’s sovereignty bring us confidence?

Because God rules over world events and frustrates the enemy’s plans, believers can trust His purposes will prevail. In Christ we have everything needed to stand firm and emerge victorious despite opposition.