Articles
Four Days in the Life of Satan
FOUR DAYS IN THE LIFE OF SATAN
(David Hartsell)
Satan is God's archenemy. Consequently, he is our most dangerous foe (Ephesians 6:12). Christians are alerted that the Devil "walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). The Bible reveals several things about Satan. In fact, it reveals four days in the Devil's existence that are interesting to read about. Let us consider each day in order.
The first day in Satan's life is the day Jesus was born. A virgin, Mary, gave birth to Jesus in Bethlehem of Judea. Wise men from the East asked Herod, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?" (Matthew 2:2) Inwardly, Herod was horrified. He imagined this king was a threat to his throne. Outwardly, he told the wise men to find the child and send word as to where he was. Herod pretended to want to worship Jesus. In reality, he wanted to kill the infant. Of course, the Devil was behind the effort to murder the babe. The Lord warned Joseph to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt. He also told the wise men not to return to Herod but to go back home (Matthew 2:12-15). When the king realized he had been deceived he killed all the male children two years old and under throughout the region of Bethlehem. Baby Jesus had been saved by God's warning to Joseph. Killing our Lord was not going to be so easy.
The next day in Satan's existence is when Jesus was killed. Our Lord lived in relative obscurity in Nazareth until He was about thirty years old. However, when he began his personal ministry, the Devil knew Him immediately (Luke 8:28). Satan greatly tempted Jesus, knowing that any sin on Jesus's part would ruin God's righteous plans (Matthew 4). Our Savior was able to overcome every enticement. He seemed to always have the perfect answer and God's complete protection. Then Jesus looked like He made a mistake. He separated Himself into a secluded place. There He was arrested, put through a mock trial, and crucified. Finally, Satan had won. The Christ was dead!
Jesus's resurrection marked the third day in Satan's life. Peter preached that Hades (the grave) could not possibly hold Jesus's spirit. Why? "The sting of death is sin" (1 Corinthians 15:56a). The Devil never stung our Lord with sin. Therefore, Jesus's death was the perfect sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 2:14). The Devil learned too late that the day he thought was his greatest victory was actually the day of his ultimate defeat. Jesus now holds the keys to Hades and death (Revelation 1:18).
The final day in Satan's life is the Judgment Day. The Devil and all that is wicked will be destroyed on that great final day (Revelation 20:10). God's judgment might be delayed and seem like it will never occur, but it will come as a thief in the night (2 Peter 3:10). Are you ready for that day?
