June 01, 2023
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
What if you had a real, living, constant enemy with powers beyond your imagination that was stalking you and your family day and night?
You do.
His name is Satan. He has supernatural powers and a host of demons at his disposal. He has one constant agenda: to usurp God. If you are one of God’s children by grace through faith, you are on his radar. You are filled with God and represent God in this generation. You are the salt and light in this present world and the greatest obstacle to Satan’s dominance.
HIS NATURE
Jesus was very clear about this. He identifies Satan and his agenda repeatedly.
He’s a thief and a robber.
So, he constantly comes to take what does not belong to him. He does not want you to experience and enjoy all the riches of God's Kingdom that Christ has for you. And he certainly doesn't want you introducing anyone else to the Good Shepherd.
He is a destroyer and murderer.
He comes to “steal, kill, and destroy.” Not content to merely steal from you and God, he wants to destroy everything of God in the process, and ultimately to eliminate, to kill.
He is a pathological liar.
On another day, Jesus reminded us that Satan is a “liar and the father of all lies” (John 8:44). Whenever you encounter a lie in this world, it is ultimately from one source. This also means that you cannot trust a single thing the enemy says as he makes promises, tempts you to disobey God, etc. It’s all a lie because this is the core of his nature.
OUR SAVING SHEPHERD
It is essential to notice that the bulk of John 10, though, does not speak of this murderous foe, but our overcoming Savior—the One who loves us and leads us; provides for us and protects us; leads us in and out to green pastures and still water; and who lays down His life for us.
The key to overcoming the Evil One is to stay close to the Good One. To listen to the voice of the Shepherd so much that, when the Devil interrupts, you know it is not God, and you resist him, firm in your belief in the Good Shepherd.
Follow Him today. As Paul said, “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). Christ can guide you through this world with all its snares, temptations, and pitfalls. He can protect you and redeem you from the Enemy’s attacks.
But you must stay close.
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