August 15: EXPECT TO BE CHALLENGED
Through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; And he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; But he shall be broken without human means. Daniel 8:25
The first descriptive word for the enemy of souls is cunning (Genesis 1:3), closely associated with subtlety, craftiness, deception! Satan’s m/o, to cause deceit to prosper, is exactly what happened when the religious leaders of Jesus’s day united their efforts with the Roman government to put Him to death. Even after His resurrection, the lies (a major element of deception) continued (Matthew 28:11-15).
While Rome was in its pagan phase, the caesars were worshiped as divinity, considering themselves as gods. But, from 538AD forward, the papacy began embedding its deep roots into every aspect of life, to control the consciences of the people. And he shall exalt himself in his heart. This description points out a likeness to Satan (Isaiah 14:13-14) that is part and parcel to self-exaltation.
Satan’s deception fosters an atmosphere of false peace, a false sense of security. This illusion of peace and security makes his destructive plan attainable. Those who have rejected God altogether feel “secure” in the “fact” that they have no need of Him. This progresses into comforting themselves by insisting that He doesn’t exist.
But, by far, his greatest effort is that of luring professed Christians into a state of believing they are saved (spiritually prosperous) when they are, in fact, lost. Jesus issued serious warnings about this condition.* He wanted His followers to live in the genuine safety and security that comes with obedience. When Peter was grilled by the Jewish leaders, his response gave great insight into the Holy Spirit’s essential role: “And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him” (Acts 5:32). Conversely, disobedience repels the Holy Spirit and deafens one’s spiritual ears.
He shall even rise against the Prince of princes. Under an ongoing veil of deceptive reasoning, the enemy of souls seeks to occupy the rightful throne of Jesus in the hearts and minds of His followers. His written word proves a great defense against this danger, if it is believed and followed. Before sin entered our world, two of God’s institutions for the blessing and happiness of man were established: Marriage and the weekly Sabbath. And, in these last days, Satan is working overtime (he never rests!) to push against these two precepts intended to bring blessings. Of course, every other precept laid out for us in God’s Word is also under attack. For every Biblical precept given, we should expect a challenge!
But he shall be broken without human means. This statement reiterates Daniel 2:34,44; 7:14,27. The ultimate end of Satan is a sure thing (Ezekiel 28:18-19). But in the meantime, we recognize that we cannot withstand his wiles apart from the presence of the Holy Spirit within us. We live in a world under Satan’s rule, but empowerment to live by heaven’s rules is readily available! Now is the time to abandon all “fuzziness” and, in good faith, honor the Word of the LORD.
I entreated Your favor with my whole heart; Be merciful to me according to Your word. I thought about my ways, And turned my feet to Your testimonies. I made haste, and did not delay to keep Your commandments. Psalm 119:58-60 *The condition of walking according to one’s own counsel or the uninspired counsel of others: Numbers 32:11-12; Psalm 1:1; 2:2; 118:8; Proverbs 3:5-6; 28:26; Jeremiah 38:20; Hosea 4:6; Matthew 7:21-23; 25:3-12, 29; John 7:17; 9:41; 12:35; Romans 2:13; James 4:17