JAN 21

Genesis 3:1
Memorise Revelation 12:9
“that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan…”

As we come to Genesis 3, we are suddenly introduced to a new character in the Garden of Eden, and that is the Serpent. When was he created, and what was he doing in the Garden of Eden? As we read through the narrative, we quickly realise that this is not just any ordinary snake, but it was possessed or somehow controlled by Satan, the leader of the fallen angels. This is the first time that we will read of Satan in the Bible, but it will certainly not be the last! In fact, he will feature quite prominently as the adversary of God, and will try everything within his means to try to thwart the purposes of God, starting with the first temptation here in Genesis 3.

From passages like Ezekiel 28:11-19 and Isaiah 14:12-17, we read of the origin and fall of Satan. He would have been created together with the angels during creation week, and was set as the foremost amongst the angels, beautiful and perfect in all his ways. However, his pride got the better of him, and he thought to usurp the glory and power of God. As a result, he was cast down from heaven, and he also took one third of the angels together with him (Revelation 12:4). His position as the anointed one amongst the cherubs was removed, and he became Satan, the Devil, the Tempter and the Deceiver.

Just one single attribute of Satan’s character is singled out in the account in Genesis 3 – the fact that he was more subtil than any beast of the field. What this means is that he is crafty, cunning, sly and shrewd. He acts in a cold, calculated manner, always seeking every opportunity to trick, cheat, deceive and manipulate, all for his own wicked advantage. This is the manner in which he approached Eve, and tempted her to take of the ‘forbidden fruit’ and fall into sin.

Since then, Satan has not ceased his activity. All through the Bible, we see Satan continually tempting man to sin and drawing them away from God. His objective is to lure as many people away from Christ as possible, and to cause them to do his bidding. The Bible continually warns us to be sober and vigilant, for this same deceiver and tempter continues to roam the earth like a roaring lion, seeking for prey to devour! (1 Peter 5:8)

Thought: How can we withstand the wiles of the Devil?

Prayer: Lord, may You always keep me safe from every temptation, and protect me from the fiery darts of the wicked one.