Satan's assumed Arrogance

Satan's Assumed Arrogance “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.” (Job 1:6-7)

While other references in Gods word may conflict time wise as to the span of running time when this occurred or if it was in Running time at all. Nonetheless we here find the first record of Satan’s behavior following the death sentence at the heel of humans. We first meet him as a slithering, subtle trespasser upon humankind while they were enjoying the safety and security of Eden. He appeared in the Word as a tempter and a deceiver. He won Eve and Adam with hissed out promises of greatness. He He brought to nothing the Word of God by denying its authentic accuracy. To bring forth a long ago phrase, “he was a smooth operator’ with “a silver tongue.” He most often appears in our circle of existence with the same technique. But, now he is Prince of this world. He does not tempt his own; why should he? The twice born are the ones Satan claws into with a wide assortment of sweet temptations and colorful promises Which he has no intentions of keeping. He has been “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2) since God gave him rule over the earth and confined him to Earth, where he works feverishly to assemble the ultimate human army to defy the Creator in battle one more time.

With that being so, the rather nonchalant appearance of Satan in Job 1:6 among the “sons of God” in the throne room seems very much out of place. We must accept the fact that if we have an advocate in Jesus. We have an accuser in Satan. He appears before God in heaven to bring railings and accusations against humankind. This is evidenced in his report to God concerning his earthly activities.

This display of arrogance by Satan is based on the freedom he believes he has as one of the chief angels, “going to and fro” with apparent impunity, “seeking whom he may devour” (1Peter 5:8). Whatever may be the actual state of Lucifer’s freedom under the sovereignty of almighty God, Satan responds to God’s question regarding Job with little fear of contradiction or any concern for personal rebuke.

Satan is a created being majestic and full of beauty. Highly knowledgeable in all God’s creation and was God’s bearer of light. (Ezekiel 28:15-17) He was so conceited, which is alien to heaven, that it led him to believe that he could overthrow the Creator Himself (Isaiah 14:12-14). This short passage, which appears no other place in the Bible, gives us unique insight into the nature of the angelic world and the sovereign confidence of the One who knows “the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:10).

Job's afflictions are not alien to we children of God. Our infirmities begin from the malice of Satan. He has his own but he is not content for even one human to Love the Lord more than they love him. Much of our suffering comes for wise and holy purposes. All bad things come from an evil spirit, the enemy of God, and of all righteousness, who is continually seeking to distress, to lead astray, and, if possible, to destroy those who love God. How far his influence may extend, we can say “as far as the Holy Spirit will let it.” 2 Thessalonians 2:7 “For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.” Satan can go just so far before the Love of God (HS) restrains his toying with us. Probably much unsteadiness and unhappiness in Christians may be ascribed to him. We can allow him to vex our spirits. We can refuse him as well. God is with us. While we are on this earth we are within the reach of his cable-toe. Hence it behooves us to be sober and vigilant, 1Pe 5:8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”. “See how Satan censures Job. It is not wrong to look at the eternal recompense in our obedience; but it is wrong to aim at worldly advantages in our religion. God's people are taken under his special protection; they, and all their possessions. The blessing of the Lord makes rich; Satan himself owns it the world and its contents. Save the children of God. God suffered Job to be tried, as he suffers others as well. It is our comfort that God has the devil in a chain, Re 20:1|. He has no power to lead men to sin, but what they give him themselves; nor any power to afflict men, but what is given him from above. While the devil owns our world, what happens to it and us is controlled from above. Know God, know peace. Amen 01-07-2019 Bll