Saturday, November 10, 2018
2 Corinthians 12:7 . . . a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.
THE POWER OF THE DEVIL
Christians are at times faced with the question: Since God is superior, why does He not simply eradicate Satan, so he can no longer rule the hearts and lives of unbelievers? In answer, it is God's superior wisdom (Romans 11:33) to reach out in love to the lost sinner so as to win the sinner's heart to desert Satan and as a new-born child of God to willingly oppose the old evil foe.
Besides, God's plan of salvation does include limiting Satan's range of control and through conversion placing individuals under God's loving guidance and nurturing. God does intend to finally remove Satan, of course, on the day of Judgment/Glory (Revelation 20:10). But until then and within limits (Revelation 20:3), Satan is allowed to be a Hussein nuisance as he grumbles around at the end of his chain and causes harm to the unwary soul that strays over onto his turf. That's why we stay away from places and situations where Satan functions best.
Is it remotely possible that God has some use for Satan? Yes, though it is a rather negative value to be God's agent for punishment upon those who do not appreciate the truth of God's saving love for humankind (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). More on the positive side, Satan is allowed to afflict God's children so that they can be exercised and strengthened in their faith life, as was Job (Job 1:7ff), The child of God thereby learns to rely more completely on God's grace and the power of Christ in his life, as the apostle Paul was reminded (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).
Thanks be to our God for His superior love, grace, and mercy that have freed us from our slavery to the Devil and have brought us to Himself by the superior lovingkindness that devoted His own Son to be our Redeemer!
-- From the "Lutheran Spokesman"
