doctor's life support

10th September: St George or the Dragon

The truth is that, although of course we lead normal human lives, the battle we are fighting is on the spiritual level. The very weapons we use are not those of human warfare but powerful in God's warfare for the destruction of the enemy's strongholds. 2

St George seems to have suffered something of an eclipse in recent times. Apparently he is no longer recognised in the gallery of saints. But he certainly remains as a symbol of good triumphing over evil: a mythical picture on the earthly level of the archangel Michael successfully waging war in heaven over the great dragon 'that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world' (Rev 12:9). The great defeat of Satan was, of course, on the cross, where the Son of God and son of Man gave his life 'that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil' (Heb 2:14).

It seems, however, that Satan never admits defeat and still prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Pet 5:8). Lion, serpent, dragon or angel of light, he remains the great deceiver, the father of lies. If we do not believe in him, that suits him. And likewise if we under-estimate him. We are less likely to recognise the little dragons he spawns and plants in our way. They are of many kinds, and there is no shortage of them along the medical road, as the enemy seeks to deny the sovereignty of God over human life, the integrity of human personality, the common decencies of everyday living, the paramount values of service and true compassion. Not least are the dragons that assail our personal and professional lives -- Mammon, jealousy, ambition and the rest. They must be slain, as they can be through the victory of Christ. It must be St George or the dragon.

Lord, help me not only to love what is good, but to hate what is evil,
and to seek by your grace to cast it out.
And help me to slay the dragons in my life.

Further reading: Rev 12:7-11.

RRW