Nothing new under the Sun?

It is interesting that some things don’t change except technology and our age. Human nature however is a different story. Since the beginning of time, we were created in the image of God. “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Genesis 1:26,27 Since the dawn of time, we are our Father’s children. We have the gift of creativity. We love the adventure of life and freedom. Music, poetry, sculpting, painting, exploration are born from the spark that God has given us from the beginning of time. One way or another, we love to be creative.

I remember when one of my children wanted a certain toy. He asked me in a very creative way. He explained how he needed the toy, how it is different than all of the other toys, and how this will help him. Then he threw in the educational card. Because of this toy, it will help me study more for my test dad. But when that didn’t have his desired effect, he asked mom, and when that didn’t work either, he asked grandma. Well the next thing I know my son is smiling at me with his new toy in his hands basically telling me “You see, I know how do get what I want!”

He learned quickly that this plan of action didn’t work the second time. He learned the value of working for his things quickly. Human nature is human nature. The enemy has studied us well. He knows how to manipulate, diminish, and influence our lives in a detrimental direction. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” 1 Peter 5:8 In order to defeat an enemy, you need to study them. Centuries of observation has given him insight into the human condition. The Bible is clear, “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 1:9

Just like we have a human nature that has not changed in centuries, the Bible describes our enemy’s nature, which too has not changed in centuries.

1) The enemy is a liar “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” John 8:44

2) He a deceiver “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone… “ Revelation 20:10

3) He is egotistical: “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. ” Isaiah 14:12-14

4) He is a tempter: “Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.” Luke 4:2

But will all things remain as they are? Will all things be the same under the sun? Are we doomed for eternity with this vicious cycle of life, which eventually results in death? There is good news! We have a promise from God. That one day, this enemy, which caused our parents to sin at the Garden of Eden; this enemy, which caused death and destruction; this enemy, which creates havoc on the lives of so many people, will finally meet his justice.

5) He will be destroyed: “Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.” Ezekiel 28:14,15,18

How are you today? Have you felt the darts of the enemy? Have you experienced the lies, deceptions, and fury of his arrows? We have a promise, we have good news, and we have hope. One day soon, one day very soon. Justice and mercy will meet. And we His people will finally be set free from the enemy. Here are some words of encouragement. “The aim of the great rebel has ever been to justify himself and to prove the divine government responsible for the rebellion. To this end he has bent all the power of his giant intellect. He has worked deliberately and systematically, and with marvelous success, leading vast multitudes to accept his version of the great controversy which has been so long in progress. For thousands of years this chief of conspiracy has palmed off falsehood for truth. But the time has now come when the rebellion is to be finally defeated and the history and character of Satan disclosed. In his last great effort to dethrone Christ, destroy His people, and take possession of the City of God, the arch-deceiver has been fully unmasked. Those who have united with him see the total failure of his cause. Christ’s followers and the loyal angels behold the full extent of his machinations against the government of God. He is the object of universal abhorrence.” Darkness before Dawn p56

May God bless you this Sabbath as we hold on to His Promises

Angel J. Rodriguez, D.Min
Houston Central – Senior Pastor