(originally published WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2005)
I got an unexpected call the other day, the "anonymous" voice on the other line, whom I will call "grand-pa" said, "Scott, why does Satan exist? If God's so good, then why not get rid of him?"
Well, this is a pretty tough question, I'll do my best, no promises though. Here it goes!
God has a plan for the entire universe. Some of this plan God has graciously revealed to us, while much of it may still be shrouded from our knowledge. A part of that plan is that God desires a relationship with each and every one of us. However, He's not real comfortable forcing us into that relationship. Although He would be justified if He did, He's looking more for a genuine love relationship; we love Him, He loves us. There in lies a problem, if God is the only thing we know, is that a choice?
...The story behind the story...
Lucifer was created as an angel, not just any angel, but the Angel of Light. God apparently intended for him to bring Light (God's Light) and Truth into the world for man. Now the Bible does not tell us the time period between when angels and man were created, but somewhere in there Lucifer, a living being with freewill, decided he wanted to match wits with the Almighty, he wanted to become His equal, he then became Satan, which means "adversary." He decided that he would do what he could to thwart God's plan.
That's a very brief summary of Satan origins, now, what's that point?
Although Satan wants to thwart God's plan, he cannot. God is sovereign over all creation, including Satan. God does allow Satan to temp us, however, but of course, this begs the question, why? But I think this is where we are asking the wrong question. Really, who are we question God's motives? What is the clay to say to the potter, what will you make of me? Now I know what you are thinking, "this is a bit of a theological trump card", and it might be, but never the less, it's true. Man's wisdom, our smartest, our best effort, our most scholarly, it is all foolishness to God. His ways are so beyond us, His Wisdom so great, that we will never really understand it all. It seems bazaar to us that a "Good God," would allow Satan to exist...
God loves you. He wants to have a relationship with you, in which you are a real part of Him. Where you come to Him, as you would your father. But He's better than a father, He's a Father (with a capital F). You see, He knows you, He knew your name before you were born, He's counted the hairs on your head. And He wants you to know that He knows.
There will be a day when God throws Satan into the pit, never to torment again, it is promised. That day, however is for God to decide. Until then we must trust in His plan to do what is best for us. If we love God, He promises that He will work all things for our good, including anything Satan might have in store for us. Why does He allow Satan to continue? I am not sure I am totally qualified to say, I will let God's words speak:
we...exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about
perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character,
hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out
within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:3-5
Thank you for reading!
Scott.
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