August 6: THE DECEPTIVE SHADOW OF SATAN

“And [the little horn] grew up to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the ground, and trampled them.” Daniel 8:10

The directions given in the previous verse are pertinent in regard to earthly territory. But today’s verse reveals a vertical direction and aim of this earthly power called the little horn.

Immediately following the creation story, God saw fit to reveal to us one whose goal it is to influence us to disobey our loving Creator. Isaiah later reveals this ‘influencer’ as the “king of Babylon” who is an “oppressor” (Isaiah 14:4). In actuality, the one being exposed is the power and influence behind the king of Babylon (vv.12-14). Fortunately, Daniel included in his book the refreshing account written by the greatest of ancient Babylon’s kings, King Nebuchadnezzar. It is a marvelous story of salvation experienced through a humbling time that completely freed him of that terrible influence (see Daniel 4).

Isaiah makes it clear that the terrible influencer, whose end will be a spectacle before nations (Isaiah 14:16; Ezekiel 28:17b.18b), is hemmed in to the time limit that God has set (Isaiah 14:15; Ezekiel 28:19). Ezekiel adds background information about our enemy to that which Isaiah had provided. In this setting, he is the terrible influencer behind the “king of Tyre” (Ezekiel 28:1-10), bequeathed by the Creator with the “seal of perfection” (v.12) and given the responsibility as the anointed cherub who covers (v.14—see also Exodus 25:16-22). God points to that seal at the completion (another word for perfection) of creation (see Genesis 2:1-3) and reminds His rescued children to remember it (see Exodus 20:8-11). The seventh-day Sabbath is God’s stamp, seal, or mark upon that which He has made. Satan’s former job was to cover—or protect—the law of God, including the particular one that contains His seal: that is, His name, title, and territory of jurisdiction (Exodus 20:11). The terrible influencer seeks to mislead the world about this commandment.

As for cast[ing] down some of the host and some of the stars to the ground, the angel Gabriel (v.16) explains their identity as mighty…and holy people (v.24). Those who have placed their trust in the Lord and His Word are called citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20). Their destruction—their murders—are meant by the enemy to interrupt the spread of the everlasting gospel (Rev. 14:6). Daniel saw them being trampled, referencing the fury with which Rome persecutes the people of God. Whether obeying caesars or popes (pagan or papal leaders), Rome has dealt cruelly with whomever she chooses to condemn. This is actually the work of Satan who will use anyone for a mouthpiece. We are taught to remain sober (1 Peter 5:8) and watchful. Jesus was keenly aware of Satan’s trickery to gain worship for himself (Luke 4:6-8), yet He remained faithful to His mission.

 And [Jesus] began to teach [His disciples] that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He spoke this word openly. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” Mark 8:31-33

Note: Satan drew a third of the angels out of heaven with his tail (Rev. 12:4) which symbolizes deception (Isaiah 9:15). Religious leaders who teach lies may know better, but most are deceived themselves.