In Genesis chapter 3 we find record of the temptation of Eve by the serpent. Just who was this serpent and can we be sure? You did read the title of this post didn't you? I remember over hearing a guy in seminary bragging because he set his Sunday school teacher straight. They were studying Genesis and the teacher made the comment that Satan was the serpent and boy did he correct that teacher, at least in his own mind he did. He was not to be convinced of what the Bible makes so clear. I have heard it said that John MacArthur says, "when you have a question in the Bible, keep reading and you'll eventually find the answer". Again, I am not sure that the statement is attributable to him but in the case of the serpent, it proves itself valid.
Of course you will need your Bible so after getting it out, you will need to read Ezekiel 28:11-19. But brother Luke, that passage is about the king of Tyre you say? Tell me, the description of this king of Tyre, being in the Garden, being a covering cherub, does this sound like a mere mortal to you? No it absolutely does not. Now with a little deduction, let's see, in the Garden originally were God, Adam, Eve, various other unspecified animals but one that is specifically named, The Serpent. This "king of Tyre" was said to be in the Garden as well. I am thinking that you can clearly see the connection but let us check two more references to confirm this. Romans 16:20 is recorded this way. "And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly." Sound remotely familiar? That is the curse pronounced by God upon the Serpent in the Garden. Genesis 3:15 states "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise they head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." Now where does this put the Serpent? That is right. Under the feet of her seed. Paul's statement in Romans puts Satan in the Garden as well. Now for the last reference. Revelation 12:9 states "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world..."(emphasis mine). John places Satan, the Devil, back in the Garden by that one simple phrase, "that old serpent".
I believe it is very clear. Without grasping at any straws, the Scriptures plainly tell us who the Serpent was/is, what his original position was, why he fell and what he did after the fall. And by the way, we found this out because we kept reading. From Genesis to Revelation, that Serpent of old has been deceiving and attempting to destroy the works of God. Thank God though that Satan's plans will not turn out the way that he wants them to and rather that we, as the children of God through the power of God have the ability to tread on that old serpent, to crush his head and to spread the Good News that Jesus saves.
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4 comments:
Luke... A timely reminder which I definitely needed today.
Romans 16: 17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. 19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Steve
Steve,
It has been my hope from the beginning of my blogging that people who stop in and read (so very few interact) can find encouragement and the best part is that it was not what I said but the Scripture that was displayed that ministered to you. God be praised for His powerful Word.
I have been watching the continuing saga over at Pete's and at one point I even stepped into the foray. At what point to step in and at what point to step out at times give me great pause. My answer as to when to enter into such is found in Proverbs 26:4-5:
Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.
Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
Those two verses explain why I do not just jump into the middle of a good fight. If anything, I err on the side of simply watching and learning from those that are involved. And besides, the fewer words that are spoken, the fewer I would have to eat right? :)
Have a great evening Steve. May God's richest blessings surround your family.
Luke: it's your Proverbs that guide me in commenting on blogs, too, when there is controversy. I spent my strand of pearls over there this weekend to no avail. I decided why bother giving away the necklace when the bracelet was cast aside?
to your post today...I studied the King of Tyre connection last winter and found it very enlightening. Never knew that was referring to satan till then.
Recognizing satan and his tactics among us is one of the most purposeful things we can do in warding off division and strife. all he wants to do is deceive, destroy, discredit, and weaken the spread of the Gospel. whenever we meet the obstacles that challenge that goal, we can take refuge in the Victory of our Lord. selahV
V,
The book of Proverbs contains infinite treasures for those who truly want to learn of God for personal interaction, not only with other people, but with God himself.
I will hope and trust that the bracelet, though rejected up front, will continue to sparkle and bring great glory to God despite the fact that we think it may have become sullied.
Instead of everyone wishing they could or bragging that they can walk on water, I wish their was more evidence of walking of satan or treading him underfoot as the passage Grosey typed reveals.
Grace to you this fine evening.
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