TEXT: JOB 1:12
''And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD''
For any creature to hurt another creature, leave must be given by the creator; no creature can stir against another, except by the creator--this is on one hand. On the other hand, no created thing or being can be of assistance to another, except God stirs up the affection and power in that creature. God can make a man's enemy to be at peace with him: also, He can stir a member of His household against him. What is bread today, can become a hive for worms tomorrow; what is loved today, can become loathsome the next day. Witness how Absalom was stirred against his father, King David! He entered his father's wives in the sight of all Israel. It is only In and by God that two created things can be held together: God is that sinew and ligament that hold all joints and things together; He upholds all things by the word of His power. Oh creatures, speak not arrogantly, sovereignly and absolutely, for you cannot hurt a fly but by leave of the sovereign God. Saints, take your rest, no harm can come to you, if God give it not leave. The Devil has no power except that which is given to him; and if given to hurt, he cannot exercise it beyond the measure God permits him: '...all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand.'' Let the saints learn from this that nothing can stir against them without God's authority; and whatever is thus allowed to stir, has its boundary set out by God. No temptation, trial or discomfort finds a believer until it has been revised, and redrafted by his loving sovereign father to suit his capacity and capability. (1 cor. 10:13) All of creation takes up arms against any that rises against their creator: but how all creatures happily serve that man who fights under the creator's flag! See His absolute power over the Nations of the earth here: 'He will judge disputes between nations; he will settle cases for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nations will not take up the sword against other nations, and they will no longer train for war.' Isaiah 2:4(NET) All hail the sovereignty of God!