I am a Jesus pusher!!! I have discovered a very significant verb in the New Testament Greek language. It is “aphiemi.” It begins with the prefix “apo” which is “from.” This has to do with motion from one location to another. The root word is “hiemi” which means “to send forth or away, or to let go from oneself.” I found this word in the closing verse of the temptations of Jesus. Matthew concludes the entire event with Then the devil left Him (Matthew 4:11). In this case “aphiemi” is translated left. However, the flavor of the Greek word is not captured in the word left. It is absolutely true that the devil changed locations. But “aphiemi” tells you that he was repelled, forced, or sent away. The power of God operating in Jesus was so strong Satan was repelled from Him.
The Spirit of Christ repels all of Satan’s attacks on my life. Victory is not found in resistance or self-control, but in intimacy with Jesus. Do not be misled! Satan is not equal with Jesus. Satan is not God; he is a fallen angel who was created. He is not all knowing or all powerful. He is no match for the indwelt Spirit of Jesus. There is no need to tremble in his presence unless you are alone. You and I are no match for him but with Jesus there is no contest. Jesus does not need weapons to defeat Satan; His very presence (nature) repels Satan. The safest place in the world is in Christ. No wonder the Apostle Paul speaks of us as being “in Christ” and also of “Christ in us.” Jesus is so intimate in our lives; He is both outside and inside. We are covered with the wonder of His presence. It is in His embrace I see things as they are. In His presence the darkness of destruction is pushed back. Nothing can defeat me “in Christ.” I am a Jesus pusher!!!