We Have An Enemy...

I’ve always been a little leery of the way many Christians handle the topic of Satan. Sometimes I see an overt focus on Satan which distracts us from keeping our eyes upon Jesus and other times I see people treating the topic, (or even the enemy!) with disrespect. With Satan, I've felt that humility, caution and faith are the only way to go on this topic.

The Bible says that for this time, (this earthly time of our lives,) we are less than angels, though we will be made higher than them through our adoption as God’s children through Christ. The book of Jude indicates that insubordination of our betters is an issue that matters to God:

”In the very same way, these dreamers pollute their own bodies, reject authority and slander celestial beings. 9 But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” 10 Yet these men speak abusively against whatever they do not understand; and what things they do understand by instinct, like unreasoning animals—these are the very things that destroy them.

- Jude 1:8-10

I take Satan very seriously. And I do so by invoking Christ and seeking His intervention to address Satan’s schemes. Because the Bible also promises that our enemy is coming for us!

“I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

- John 10:7-13

How often do we condemn those who have been taken captive for the symptoms of their captivity? And yet Christ promised Peter that when he turned back there would be a role for Peter in serving Jesus.

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

- Luke 22:25

By the Grace of God alone, we stand.