News websites and radio programs are buzzing as a result of the slap seen and heard round the world at the Oscars last night when Will Smith smacked Chris Rock. One of the quotes I found intriguing was when Smith related a conversation he had with actor Denzel Washington who issued a warning: "In your highest moments, be careful, that’s when the devil comes for you.” Highs and lows are part of life as a human being on earth, but the Bible reveals man on his own is vulnerable at all times. Those who put their faith in Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd Who guards and protects the flock of God, we never need fear the devil. Instead of feeling anxious, troubled or threatened by enemies who oppose us we can make our requests known to God with joy and thanksgiving.
1 Peter 5:8 says, "Be sober,
be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion,
seeking whom he may devour." While the devil seeks whom he may devour, it is not our carefulness that deters him but God. When Daniel was thrust into the lion's den, it was God who sent an angel to shut the mouths of ravenous lions so they could do him no harm. Interestingly, when King Nebuchadnezzar was at his peak it was not Satan but God who came for Him in judgment and chastening. Daniel 4:30-32 relates, "The
king spoke, saying, "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal
dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?" 31 While the word
was still in the king's mouth, a voice fell from heaven: "King
Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! 32 And they shall drive you from men,
and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make
you eat grass like oxen; and seven times shall pass over you, until you know
that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He
chooses." Pride came before a fall controlled by the Most High to reveal Himself, not just to Nebuchadnezzar, but to all people today.
The sin of the devil is pride, and he does not deter any who follow his lead. He encourages people to that end so they might destroy themselves because he is a liar, thief and murderer from the beginning. Jesus spoke forth a warning to those He loved dearly in Luke 12:4-7: "And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who
kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will
show you whom you should fear: fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to
cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him! 6 Are not five sparrows sold
for two copper coins? And not one of them is
forgotten before God. 7 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear
therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." No child of God need tremble if Satan attempts to unleash his fury against them, nor should the devil be our deterrent to pride: it is God we fear, God who kills and throws souls who reject Him into hell forever. At the same time this is balanced by the care and love God has shown us constantly, for we are infinitely more precious to Him than sparrows. He is our protector and Peace, and it is most foolish to carelessly cross Him.
When we are sheltered in the presence of the almighty God, let come what may for no one is able to snatch us out of our Saviour's hand. Nothing shall separated us from the love of God we have received by grace through faith in Christ. It is true the devil is a living, malevolent being who seeks to destroy, but he has been defeated and disarmed by Jesus the KING OF KINGS who provides salvation, eternal life and perfect peace. Satan walks about to and fro, but Jesus sat down at the right hand of the Father because He accomplished all to redeem and reconcile us to God by His own sacrifice. We ought to be sober and vigilant; we ought to fear God, remembering not one of us is forgotten by Him. We also should extol and praise the almighty God who has purchased us with His own blood, washed us clean and lifts our heads with joy.
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