I’ll leap within it, though I bring the world to ruins—
The world which bulks between me and the abyss
I will smash to pieces with my enduring curses."[2]
Satan's lies have indeed sparked wars and cruelty through the ages. Ever since Eve chose to follow her feelings rather than God's wise guidelines, humanity has faced assaults from "the evil one" -- often through his willing pawns. Call him the Devil, Deceiver, Satan, or serpent; it doesn't matter. It's all the same ruthless oppressor:
"...that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world..." Revelation 12:9
From the beginning, this liar has been seeding doubt, depravity, despair and death. Through the ages, he has inspired idolatry, witchcraft, deadly curses, magical arts, and sensual, blood-thirsty "gods" that he could use to control people and corrupt cultures. He lost some ground during America's Christian era, when -- by God's grace -- our nation was relatively free from such dark forces. But the times are changing fast, and once again we, and especially our children, need to remember warnings like these:
"There shall not be found among you any one who... that useth witchcraft, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord..." Deuteronomy 18:10-12
Satan knows well that no nation can
maintain true freedom apart from God's moral law. Quenched by propaganda,
hedonism and distorted views of God's Truth, the Biblical
values that made America kind, generous, honest and successful
are now fading fast -- even in churches. A youth pastor sent me
this conflicting message: "I am a strong Christian and love the Lord
with all my heart. The problem is I really enjoy reading the
Harry Potter books and
nothing about them conflicts
with my spirit..."
Another visitor who called herself "a young solitary witch" wrote this revealing message:
"I am a Harry Potter fan for several reasons. ... You are not just drawn into the story but into that world. Then through talking about them with fans you fall further and further in love with the characters, you analyze them and worry about them until they feel real to you. Then you have, in a way, become a part of that shared universe, and it is a wonderful place to be."
What a cruel illusion! When a nation turns from God's ways to all kinds of decadence, our Lord withdraws His blessings and protection. And when Satan has his way, disaster reigns. Remember, the evil one rules a hierarchy of like-minded demonic beings:
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places... Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." Ephesians 6:12-13
That "evil day" may soon bring persecution -- as it did to the persecuted Christians in the Middle East and China. And now, with today's massive movement of migrants who despise both Jews and Christians, our world is changing faster than ever. Meanwhile, Western countries like America, the UK and Germany are still hosts to unthinkable occultism and secret societies. Some of those empowered servants of darkness may well join tomorrow's tyrants.
Are we ready to "stand firm" in Jesus Christ, wearing His armor as we face the battles ahead?
Who Wins this Battle?
God does! He always wins -- even when the victory looks more like defeat to us! He is the sovereign King and Creator over all, and His wisdom and long-range plans for our lives far surpass our finite understanding. Everything is under His command:
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
With our narrow vision of His glorious heavenly plans, we may be tempted to complain. To resist that lure, we need to trust God, know His Word, and remember His wonderful promises. No matter what challenges we face, He is with us - strengthening our faith and training us to endure in the midst of our struggles.
"Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil....
"Stand therefore, having our loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench also the fiery darts of the wicked.
"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the world of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit , and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints....
"Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in in sincerity. Amen." Ephesians 6:10-11, 14-18, 24.
1. Oswald Chamber, Oswald Chambers Daily Devotional Bible, p. 652
2. Richard Wurmbrand, Was Marx a Satanist? Diane Books, 1976, p.12.