"Mimicking Satan" September 1 Readings: Isaiah 13-14, 1 Corinthians 4–5, Psalm 103:17–22, Proverbs 21:26–28

Today's Readings -  Isaiah 13-14, 1 Corinthians 4–5, Psalm 103:17–22, Proverbs 21:26–28

Devotional 

One of the great mysteries in life is where sin came from. Why would anyone, created by God and dwelling in glory with him, choose to sin? How did Satan become Satan? Due to some inadequancies in the King James translation, people have reached some false assumptions about the Evil One.

Isaiah 14:12-15, tells about the arrogance and pride of the King of Babylon, who raised himself up in his own eyes. He thought himself to be a bright morning star. And so, he lifted up himself and thought he should usurp the throne of God and rule over all. He determined to ascend on high and become like God himself, but for his pride he would be brought down low.

12 Shining morning star,

how you have fallen from the heavens!

You destroyer of nations,

you have been cut down to the ground.

13 You said to yourself,

“I will ascend to the heavens;

I will set up my throne

above the stars of God.

I will sit on the mount of the gods’ assembly,

in the remotest parts of the North.

14 I will ascend above the highest clouds;

I will make myself like the Most High.”

15 But you will be brought down to Sheol

into the deepest regions of the Pit.

But Babylon's king wasn't the first being to follow that trajectory. In fact, the root of sin, the very first rebellion against God in history followed precisely the pattern defined in Isaiah 14:12-15. A mistaken translation in the King James even gave a name that many applied to Satan (Lucifer). While this passage primarily refers to the Babylonian leader, there is a pattern behind it, confirmed in other Scriptures. 

This is exactly how Satan fell from glory and became the enemy of God. He decided he should be the one worshiped, instead of the worshiper - he should receive glory, not give it. He determined to sit on the throne of heaven and rule. God cast him from heaven and ultimately will destroy him for his hubris. 

This is also the pattern Satan used, in the form of a serpent, in Genesis 3. He was horrified that Adam and Eve might live in obedience to God. He encouraged them to do as he had done - to ascend to the throne of their own lives and refuse to bow before God in worship. 

Ultimately, this is the only real issue of life - who is the boss? Are you going to yield to God and walk in submission to him, acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord every day? Or will you follow Satan's pattern and rebel? God is on the throne of heaven. Who is enthroned in your heart? 

Father, may my life be lived in obedience to you. May you receive from me and from my life the glory that you deserve.

Think and Pray

Consider this: pride and the sin of self-determination mimics the fall of Satan into sin. The world says Satan is no big deal, but we must recognize it a horrible sin, one that leads us down a path of rebellion.