From the pen of Dr. Sam Jones

Isaiah 13-17 is the Bible reading for today. For decades, I mistakenly believed and taught that the “Lucifer” in Isaiah 14:12 referred to Satan. It was several years ago, during a lectureship retreat that Professor Clyde Woods enlightened my understanding. Also, later from my personal study, it’s quite clear there’s no evidence that the text is referring to Satan. Specifically, the chapter identifies the proverb or narrative is about the king of Babylon (v. 4). Also, the chapter states worms ate his body (v. 11). Well, Satan has no body. Although the chapter has no reference to Satan, my attention and awareness of him increases when I read Isaiah 14.

Isaiah 14 cannot be used to prove or disprove Satan’s existence. Yet, Satan is real! There is ample evidence in numerous places in the Bible supporting the existence and authenticity of the being called Satan (Job 1:6-12), the Devil ((Jo. 8:44), Evil One (2 Thess. 3:3), Temper (Matt. 4:3), Adversary (I Pet. 5:8), Ruler of this world (Jo. 12:31), Beelzebub (Matt. 9:34), Belial (2 Cor. 6:16), Dragon (Rev. 20:2), and several other names.

Satan is a spirit-being (I Cor. 2:12; Eph. 2:2). He is not omnipotent or omniscient. According to Revelation 12:7, Michael (an archangel) with his angels defeated Satan and those angels deceived by Satan. They were expelled from heaven to the earth, and now the earth has become Satan’s base of operations. He is extremely upset with his predicament and is actively pursuing every opportunity to deceive all the people on the earth. May we never forget two of many truths about this serpent: first, he is real, and secondly, his primary mission is to destroy the faith of all those who trust in God.

Allow me to briefly state three of many things Christians can do after Satan has “turned their world upside down.” One of Satan’s strategies to cause Christians to leave the church (the woman) of Revelation 12:13 is to attack their faith and cause them to doubt God (2 Cor. 2:11). So, the Psalmist inquired, “What can the righteous do when the foundations are destroyed” (Psa. 11:3)? So, what can Christians do when their world has been turned upside down?

1.   Never forget we serve a faithful God (I Cor. 10:13). God has promised that He will never permit Satan to test us beyond what we are able to manage. God knows how much we can handle.

2.  Remember we serve a God who is able to deliver or bring us through any situation (Eph. 3:20). There’s absolutely nothing “too big” for our God to handle (Gen 18:14).

3.   Wait on God’s to make a way (Psa. 37:7). Patience is a key to remaining faithful to God in difficult times. We must learn to trust God’s timing. He will deliver us or make a way for us, but it’s according to His time. Develop the ability to wait on God (Rom. 12:12).

Satan is real and he is coming after us. The “good news” is we, with God’s help, can defeat him.