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Themes: "Satan's Deception, Attractiveness of the World MD We sometimes hear stories of the giant octopus as being a terrible monster which destroys ships and swallows up men. We know that this is not really true. But with its weight of about 20 kilograms and arm span of 2.5 meters, it can be a scary sight! It is strong enough to trap large salmon and move objects much heavier than itself. But there is a secret weapon that the octopus uses in its daily hunt for food. It is very clever at tricking its victim. It causes its victim to think that there is nothing of which to be afraid. It does this by changing its appearance. It can make itself look like a large rock or turn itself into the color of the ocean floor. This is done to fool its prey. Its victim hesitates for a fatal split second before trying to escape. By then it is too late.
Satan also uses this device to trick boys and girls into losing their souls. He can make them think that there is nothing to fear. He may appear either friendly or harmless. He makes the world look very attractive and interesting to your people.
In our story, Joab pretended to be Abner's friend. Abner knew that there was safety inside the city with David. But he was tricked into leaving his place of protection and exposing himself to a man who really wanted to kill him. The sad result was that he like as a fool. He was near to safety but waited too long. He lost his life.
Satan doesn't mind if you know a lot of Bible verses or if you know how to be saved. He doesn't mind if you are close to salvation or thinking about it. He just wants to keep you,like Abner, outside the door of salvation. He tries to blind the minds of people who do not believe the Gospel (2Cor.4:4). He may suggest that you put it off for another day. Maybe he will offer some little sin that may interest you. Don't move away to see what he has to give you! Don't be a fool like poor Abner! Get to Christ today. Only in Him are you saved and saved forever.
The Bible gives many warnings about being deceived or tricked. It is possible to deceive yourself - "Be not deceived" (Gal.6:7) the Bible says. But it is especially Satan who deceives men. He is called "the devil that deceived them" (Rev.20:10). Be sure that he doesn't deceive you.
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Jim Batterton
