What A Lot Of Us Forget About The Devil

Cue “The Devil is a Liar” by Sipho Makhabane.

Today we are not talking about Oarabile’s brother, satuhn.

We are talking about the thief who comes only to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10) The one whereby when he lies, it is consistent with his character because he is the father of all lies (John 8:44)

Bazalwane! Do not be shocked that the devil is a liar, it is in his CV and biography.

He can sell more cars than Mr Wormwood from Matilda.

He is not afraid to play dirty, like the girl who loves her island and the girl who loves the sea, there’s just no telling how far he’ll go. (I am talking about a rather serious topic but do acknowledge that I tried to spice it up with some humor, Disney, Moana, How Far I’ll Go is the reference)

Another thing, the devil is bad, and he is a liar but unlike Selena Gomez, he is not a bad liar.

He is a master at what he does, it is not his first day on the job as a hitman. I read in David Roberson’s book, “The Walk of The Spirit- The Walk of Power” that the devil will not operate in a way that is obvious: in a red suit,

brandishing a pitchfork with a tail… then you will spot him. He is the master of disguise, he will appear harmless, but remember Paul’s words…

But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14

SO STAY WOKE. I am not saying panic and lose sleep over when next the devil will strike, I am no fearmonger. My cry is that we just

Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. Ephesians 6:11

I want to place much emphasis on this strategy of his: deception, selling us dreams, packaging things in a way that looks right and acceptable. The devil does not only want us to be suffering and  sick,-that is just the tip of the iceberg, ultimately, he wants us to rebel against God. The devil doesn’t hand out moths and skulls and crossbones… he makes deals that are really sweet to lure us in.

I am a fan of Psalm 16:2

I said to the LORD, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.”

I highlighted every good thing. I then came down to the conclusion that a thing cannot be good unless it is from God. Prosperity, recognition, etc., these are lovely, but they are only truly good if they are from God. The thief/devil may give you the world, but at the expense of your soul. “Good things” have no strings attached, no drawbacks, no side effects. Let me give examples

1. Coraline

Coraline’s family had just moved into a new home. It is the trenches. She finds a little door that leads to an alternate universe that only opens at night. The people there have buttons for eyes, here her “other mother” bakes her a cake and cooks her her favourite foods, her “other father” is fun and outgoing. The furniture is better, the house has no leaks or problems. Ultimately it is some weird cult and they want to take her eyes and sew in buttons in their place.

Thief/devil in the story: the other mother, the other father

Deception: the pretty house, the better food, the more understanding parents

What was at stake: Coraline’s eyes and her soul (I think)

2. Hansel and Gretel

Hansel and Gretel are a brother and sister abandoned in a forest, where they fall into the hands of a cannibalistic witch who lives in a house made of gingerbread, cake, and pastries. The witch intends to fatten the children before eventually eating them. (Source Wikipedia)

Thief/devil in the story: the witch

Deception: The house made out of dessert.

What was at stake: Their lives!

3. Snow White

Snow White’s stepmother wants her dead. She sent someone to kill her and they fumbled. She disguises herself as an old, frail lady and offers Snow White an apple. The apple is poisoned and your girl Snow collapsed.

The thief/devil in the story: The Queen/Snow White’s stepmother

Deception: Helpless old lady, shiny red apple.

What was at stake: Snow White’s life

Final thoughts

In Matthew 4 verses 1-11 Jesus is tested in the wilderness and He is offered the world. The devil didn’t show Jesus the underbelly or the rotten side of accepting his deal. It be like that nowadays too. When we are tempted and deceived we don’t catch a glimpse of the dark side.

There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. Proverbs 16:25

https://youtu.be/wZgdmyR5swY