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Act 2: The Entrance of Evil
Brian Mashburn
February 1, 2009
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Act 2: The Entrance of Evil
I remember a scene from a movie where a large family had settled into their vacation cabin only to start noticing that their "stuff" was disappearing. Nothing large, just some keys here, some change there, a small teddy bear, a half-used pack of gum. Of course, the parents blamed the kids, the kids blamed each other, and the dad ended up blaming himself for being such an idiot - unable to keep track of his own wallet.
It ended up being a clever mouse that lived inside the wall. This kind of thing is a common (usually minor) plot in lots of movies...mostly comedies.
They had an enemy and didn't know it.
There are so many in life who have a "realization of Jacob" experience, where they wake up one day and think, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it." (Gen 28:16). It is glorious to have a day like this. To become aware that there is a God, that He is awe inspiring, and that He is involved in my life for my ultimate good and salvation. It changes everything.
However, many need a "realization of Peter" experience. Peter learned the hard way that, "Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Pet 5:8)
The Bible cannot be clearer that there is an Enemy. Jesus himself said that he comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Yet so many people live as if the only characters in the story are people and God. So when things go wrong, they only have people or God to blame.
There is an Enemy. And it is not a minor sub-plot of the story, and it certainly is not a comedy, and when exposed, the culprit is not a cute mouse in a wall.
Satan was the greatest and most beautiful and powerful of all the angelic hosts. His pride took over, and he wanted the story to be about him. He tried to steal, kill, and destroy God's place and failed. He is fallen, but not finished. He now turns his malice towards God's beloved. Towards us. Toward you.
We are in a world at war. If you are not fighting, you have not understood the message of Act II.