ESOCS Devotional 28 September
TEXT: Revelation 12:12-17 KJV
MEMORY VERSE: “Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Revelation 12:12 KJV
Satan is not just a symbol or legend; he is very real. Originally, he was an angel of God, but through his pride, he became corrupt. He is God’s enemy and he opposes Him and His good works; and constantly tries to hinder these good works of God, but he is limited by God’s power and can do only what he is permitted to do (Job 2:6). God is in control even though He permits him to do his work. The name Satan means “adversary” or “accuser” (Rev. 12:10). He actively looks for people to attack, but we are advised to resist him (1 Pet. 5:8-9). He likes to seek out believers who are vulnerable in their faith, who are spiritually weak, or who are isolated from other believers.
Our topic is a warning that we should be careful, be wary, be cautious of the devil’s last minute catch. He has spread his drag net using many antics on both the young and old Christians while ensuring that his own people do not defect to God’s side – or do we not see what is happening in the world today? He knows his time gets shorter and shorter each day, so he desperately tries to recruit more people to his side. But why did God allow him to work such evil and bring temptation? God wants to ensure that those who pretend to be Christ’s followers are weeded out from His true believers. A popular song says that on the last day, only true believers will be raptured. What God wants is strong believers who when the storm of life comes, will stand firm in Him knowing that their labour is not in vain in the Lord (2 Cor. 15:58).
Read yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
We are living in the last days, and Satan’s work has become more intense. Apostle Paul opened our eyes to the fact that we are in a spiritual battle (Eph. 6:10-12). What tools is the devil using to carry out his works? He is using the world and all the luxuries that are in it, the lust of the flesh, the lust of eyes, and the pride of life. Against these, we are warned not to love (1 John 2:15-17).
Let us face the reality of today: look at what the devil has turned the social media to. Look at the kind of dress our youths wear, and how they dress (even parents; very worrisome). Look at the music being produced and the way they dance them, etc. It is shocking that these things have crept fully into so many churches and they are accepted and welcomed. The devil uses the good things of life to deceive – he gives them another coloration, rolls them out and the youths (especially) rush to grab them. Be careful of this last minutes catch. Endure to overcome, and be blessed (Rev. 2:26).
CHALLENGES
- Identify those cares of life that are dragging you back.
PRAYER POINT
- Ask God to give you the ability to identify the devil’s antics, and ability to resist them.
FURTHER READING: Isaiah 14: 12-17; Matthew 4:1-11; Matthew 24:4-31
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ESOCS Devotional 28 September
