In a way, I kind of agree with that. Let's think about it.
In one sense, it is good to know the Devil so that you can identify him and therefore, avoid him like the plague. The greatest mistake we can make is believing that he doesn't exist--for that is exactly what he wants.
How can this be?
Well, if you deny his existence entirely, he can then continue to trick you and lead you into snare after lie after defeat without you even acknowledging it was he who is to blame. The cycle perpetuates, and since you are refusing to accept the source of the problem, you will not be able to stop it. So naturally, you will continue in this same miserable pattern.
You may also look at it from another perspective. Those of us who believe fully what the Bible says, that the Devil is in fact...
- The tempter (Mark 1:13, Matthew 4:3, 1 Thess 3:5, 1 Cor 7:5)
- The ruler of this earthly world (John 12:31, John 14:30, John 16:11)
- The adversary (1 Peter 5:8)
- The enemy (Matthew 13:25,28,39; Luke 10:19, Acts 13:10)
- The accuser (Zech 3:1, Revelation 12:10)
- The destroyer (1 Corinthians 10:10)
...and so much more than that, will be more equipped to withstand his blows. Because there is, in fact a war going on, my friends. And it needs to be taken seriously.
Ephesians 6:12 puts it this way:
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
Sounds absolutely terrifying. Except that it isn't.
Why not?
Now here is where I get absolutely giddy with excitement. No beating around the bush here folks, because what I am about to tell you is the most important thing you could EVER understand. Jesus Christ, through his death and resurrection, has already won the war against the devil.
Thaaaat's right!
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." -John 16:33
Those words, spoken by Jesus, provide so much truth and hope not only for you and me, but for all people for all eternity.
Friends, if you don't know a lick about Jesus, please listen. Man is sinful. Do you really need me to explain this to you? Look around, and tell me what you see. Hearts broken, standards lowered, lies believed, wounds unhealed, bitterness, violence, hatred. Apart from God, who is all that is holy and perfect, we propagate these things.
Aren't you tired of feeling the emptiness, the filth?
Parties end. The high wears off.
The next day always comes.
But let me share with you something beautiful. Jesus knows how short we fall of his level of perfection, and loves us anyway. He loved us so much that He became a man to bridge the distance we feel from God. To experience what we experience here on earth so that we know He understands. And most important of all?
To make us clean.
No effort of our own could manage this. Contrary to what many popular religions claim, works do not get you into heaven. How could they? How could we ever be perfect enough for the one who is Perfection itself?
Jesus Christ offered himself up as a sacrifice on our behalf. That was meant to be us up there on that cross, in excruciating pain. There was no way out of our bondage until He came and took our place. He died, then rose from the dead, in the greatest event in all of history.
Because He lives, we live.
I urge you, if the Devil is placed on the throne of your heart, if he is wearing you down with his blows, his lies, and his accusations, turn to Jesus. Go to His pierced feet and ask Him to forgive you, and He will cleanse you of all impurity. He is not looking for your religion. What he wants is your heart. A relationship with you.
And I don't mean a genie-master relationship. I mean an intimate, forgiving and rejuvenating relationship with the Creator of the Universe. There is nothing else that can fill the hole in your heart meant for Him.
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." -Revelations 3:20
No comments:
Post a Comment