One quote from the movie, The Usual Suspects, is ‘the biggest lie the devil ever told was convincing people that he didn’t exist.’
Some people ARE convinced and don’t believe in a literal devil explaining that all of the verses about Satan are just about evil in general. But they are twisting scripture way too much! I’ve heard that there are 28 different names for Satan in scripture: the serpent, Lucifer, Devil, an adversary and a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.
In Isaiah 14:12-13, there is more description of Satan.
How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: ‘ I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God.
This verse gives an insight into Satan’s fall. He was the son of the morning, implying he was beautiful, like the rising sun. He was cut down. He weakened the nations and he’ll exalt his throne above the stars of God. Clearly, his weakness was Pride. A weapon well used in churches today. There have been many great men and women become full of themselves and fall.
Scripture clearly says ‘God opposes the proud, and gives grace to the humble.’ Proverbs 16:18 says ‘Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.’ It’s much better for God to humble you than for your own actions to cause you to fall…
2 Chronicles 7:14 says ‘If my people will humble themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways…”
We need to guard our hearts, and continually give praise and glory to God. We need to pray the dangerous prayer “Lord Humble me.” But only if you are ready for anything!
Lord, I give you my heart; I humble myself before you and ask you to mould my heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.