Rope A Dope

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

“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).

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 Foremen out. 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.
• Just when the devil think 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 like we’re losing. But we need to keep leaning on God. While this may appear as a weakness, it is our strength, and we 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 the Lamb, but the Lamb is also the Lion.