“Manasseh, made his son pass through the fire, practiced witchcraft and used divination, and dealt with mediums and spiritists. He did MUCH EVIL IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD provoking Him to anger.” (2 Kings 21:6)
One common statement I’ve notice in going through the Bible, is a similar phase occurring over 49 times, particularly in the Old Testament. It is a phrase that indicates someone, or a people, was doing “evil in the sight of the Lord” or “evil in the eyes of the Lord”. Most of these references refer to the kings over Israel. God’s intention was that He would be king but the people said to Samuel:
“…appoint a king for us to judge us like all the nations.” But the thing was displeasing in the sight of Samuel…And Samuel prayed to the LORD. The LORD said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but THEY HAVE REJECTED ME from being KING OVER THEM.” (1 Sam. 8:5-7)
Why is it so difficult for us to be obedient to the Lord?
Satan, who was called Lucifer, said:
“I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God…I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I WILL MAKE MYSELF LIKE THE MOST HIGH.” (Isa. 14:13-14)
God spoke to Ezekiel about Lucifer:
“You had the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty…You were the anointed cherub who covers, And I placed you there. You were on the holy mountain of God…You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created Until UNRIGHTEOUSNESS WAS FOUND IN YOU.” (Ezekiel 28:12, 14-15)
Lucifer was in a very high position but was not satisfied, he wanted to be God! This was God’s response to Satan’s rebellion:
“…you are brought down to hell, to the depths of the pit.” (Isa. 14:15)
So, Satan’s mission has been to pull people away from following the Lord and serving him, how does he do this?
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil PROWLS AROUND like a roaring lion LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO 1DEVOUR. Resist him, STANDING FIRM IN THE FAITH, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Peter 5:8-9) 1katapinō: to swallow up, to overwhelm.
How much power does the devil have in his pulling us away? Jesus, “…likewise also partook of the same [suffering death], that through death He might render powerless him WHO HAD THE POWER OF DEATH, that is, the devil…” (Heb. 2:14)
You see that’s why Jesus said: “The thief comes only TO STEAL AND KILL AND DESTROY; I came that THEY MAY HAVE LIFE, and have it 1abundantly.” (John 10:10) 1Perissos: over and above, more than is necessary, superior in quality.
Satan has the power to steal our confidence is Jesus Christ, kill our faith and destroy us! Why, because he has the power of death over those who choose NOT to follow Jesus!
Jesus has power, over and above that of the devil, to keep us, with more than necessary power! If we choose to obey and follow Him.
Let’s follow Jesus and live a life superior in quality…Bill Stockham