Rope A Dope

God is in control. Sometimes we look around at the world and it seems like evil is winning, but in God’s word we know who wins in the end. God is in control.

Appearances are deceiving. Things are not always what they appear to be.

“But one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah … And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne … stood a Lamb as though it had been slain.” (Revelation 5:5-6 NKJV)

Muhammad Ali and George Foreman squared off in the boxing ring in Zaire. It was dubbed, “The Rumble in the Jungle.” Foreman was considered the favorite because of his devastating punch. But Ali did what no other fighter dared. He held up his arms, leaned back against the ropes and allowed Foreman to punch away. Foreman beat on Ali until he could punch no more. Then Ali knocked out Foremen. Ali called it “rope-a-dope.” Even though it looked like he was losing, he was in control. He took those punches because he knew he would deliver the final blow.

God is using the “rope-a-dope” technique on Satan and evil. Just when the devil he’s winning, just when it looks as though the kingdom of God is on the ropes, God will deliver the final blow.

Just when it looks like evil going to win, God steps in. Just when it looks as though evil will have the final word, God will destroy it with his final word.

The battle may be long, and it may appear you’re losing. But keep leaning on God, and while this may appear as a weakness, it is your strength, and you will triumph. Paul said, “I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).

The Lion is a Lamb, but the Lamb is also a Lion.