Satan is described in the Bible as “the accuser of the brethren.” (Revelation 12:10) He is also a liar and a deceiver. And most of his accusations are unfounded. He is intent on frustrating and discouraging Christ followers, and many times we have let him succeed. His ambition is to hold you down – polar opposite from that of Jesus which is to lift you up!
Satan’s attacks are relentless. Revelation 12:10 states that he accuses us before God day and night. He lurks around every corner to speak an accusing word into our mind. And dredges in “the sea of God’s forgetfulness” – where God has cast your confessed sin never to be remembered again – dragging them out to condemn and discourage you.
When Jesus was tempted of the devil in the wilderness, he countered his attacks with the Word – the sword of the Spirit. Three times in the Bible narrative Jesus combats him with the words, “It is written…” (Matthew 4:1-11) We must do the same.
When dealing with Satan, two things are essential. We must resist him in the power of Jesus’ name. And simultaneously, we must draw near to God. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you.” (James 4:7) The next time Satan reminds you of your past, remind him of his future! (Revelation 20:7-10)
During the turbulent years of racial tension in the US in the late 1960s, I attended a meeting at “The Bread Basket” in Chicago. It was part of a field trip during a conference I was attending at Wheaton College. A young Jesse Jackson was the pastor. Several thousand people attended – 99.9% were black. I felt like a grain of white salt in a pepper shaker!
Jesse Jackson began to lead that exuberant crowd in a responsive chant. It was electrifying! He would say a phrase, and the crowd would repeat it after him. He started… “I may be black.” And the crowd repeated, “I may be black.” “But I am” “...but I am”. “Somebody.” “…Somebody.” He went on. “I may be poor. “ “…I may be poor.” “But I am,” “…But I am.” “Somebody.” “…Somebody.” “I may not have a job and be without schooling,” etc. etc. etc. “But I am.” “Somebody.” This went on for at least 10 to 15 minutes. By the time Jackson ended, I don’t know how anyone in that meeting hall could have any longer felt they were a nobody. They were a somebody! Each unique. Each different. Each is important to God.
Whose voice are you listening to? God’s? Or the accusing voice of the enemy? Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27 NIV) Be blessed my friend. Glen (Pitts) The Barnabas Group / Loads of Love Luke 12:22-28; I Kings 18; I Samuel 3:9-10
