Satan
Redoubles His Efforts
The
angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth
them. Ps. 34:7.
The power and malice of Satan and his host might justly alarm us were it not
that we may find shelter and deliverance in the superior power of our Redeemer.
We carefully secure our houses with bolts and locks to protect our property
and our lives from evil men; but we seldom think of the evil angels who are
constantly seeking access to us, and against whose attacks we have, in our
own strength, no method of defense. If permitted, they can distract our minds,
disorder and torment our bodies, destroy our possessions and our lives. Their
only delight is in misery and destruction. Fearful is the condition of those
who resist the divine claims and yield to Satan's temptations, until God gives
them up to the control of evil spirits. But those who follow Christ are ever
safe under His watchcare. Angels that excel in strength are sent from heaven
to protect them. The wicked one cannot break through the guard which God has
stationed about His people.
The great
controversy between Christ and Satan, that has been carried forward for nearly
six thousand years, is soon to close; and the wicked one redoubles his efforts
to defeat the work of Christ in man's behalf and to fasten souls in his snares.
To hold the people in darkness and impenitence till the Savior’s mediation
is ended, and there is no longer a sacrifice for sin, is the object which
he seeks to accomplish.
When there
is no special effort made to resist his power, when indifference prevails
in the church and the world, Satan is not concerned; for he is in no danger
of losing those whom he is leading captive at his will. But when the attention
is called to eternal things, and souls are inquiring, "What must I do
to be saved?" he is on the ground, seeking to match his power against
the power of Christ. . . . He is in attendance when men assemble for the worship
of God. Though hidden from sight, he is working with all diligence to control
the minds of the worshipers.
From Maranatha - Page 131
