| The Devil's Offers Mar. 23, 2005 |
Easter is the day that we choose to honor the risen Christ. On that day, (and hopefully, everyday) we acknowledge that our Savior did not stay buried in a tomb. Instead, He rose again, defeating death, hell, and the grave! Rev. 1:18 says “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.” How can the devil offer you anything when he doesn’t even own his own crib, nor does he have the keys to it? He rents! His keys were taken from him over 2,005 years ago. What can he do for you? He is on borrowed time. Even he will have to bow to the One True Master. Rev. 20:2-3 says “He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; (vs. 3) and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while.” After the devil is released, he will start a rebellion resulting in the consequences described in verse 10: “The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” And guess what? Verse 15 says, “Anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” So let me get this straight. The devil, who is on borrowed time and doesn’t own his own crib, wants me to hang with him, deny Christ, and do whatever he tells me too, so that I can one day share a place with him in the lake of fire. Somehow, that doesn’t appeal to me! Instead, I’d rather play it safe and abide by the words Paul wrote in 2 Timothy, chapter 2: 10 Therefore, I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 This is a faithful saying: for if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him. 12 If we endure, we shall also reign with Him, if we deny Him, He also will deny us. 13 If we are faithless, he remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! (Luke 24:5-6). Know that whatever Satan has offered, he cannot fulfill. But Christ, who is risen from the dead took every hurt, sin, and infirmity that has ever been encountered and won the victory over it. Which is the better offer? I hope you enjoyed reading the word of God in a new light. Have a Happy Wednesday! God Bless, Min. Tommy & Sis. Shatika Gray |