DECEPTION THROUGH DISGUISE

And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. —II Corinthians 11:14-15

The account is told of King Ahab going into battle in disguise. He did not want the enemy to know he was the king and attract attention to himself. But an opposing soldier “drew his bow at random and hit the king of Israel between the breastplate and the scale armor. The king told the chariot driver, “Wheel around and get me out of the fighting. I’ve been wounded.” All day long the battle raged, and the king of Israel propped himself up in his chariot facing the Arameans until evening. Then at sunset he died” (II Chronicles 18:33-34).

No disguise fools the Lord God Almighty. Hypocrisy simply means that someone is playing a part, putting on a mask, seeking not to be known for who they are. There are many “religious” people in the world who “play the part” but have never truly trusted the Lord Jesus Christ. They are going through the motions, putting on a disguise. One guy mentioned that he used to be a Christian and defined that as going to church at Christmas and Easter. His disguise really doesn’t fool anyone.

Then there are those who are even religious leaders that are using their positions as a disguise to promote Satan’s agenda. These people look good but they are really dressed up “in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves” (Matthew 7:15). These people are very dangerous and cause the destruction of many lives and also cause many others to blaspheme the Lord God Almighty. How many times have I heard people speak against Christians or the Church because of someone who is disguised as a Christian, disguised as being part of a church and does something horrible?

If the enemy can come into the opposing army stealthily to do much damage, he will. There are so many people who do not believe that the whole human race has an enemy and that his name is Satan. He disguises himself so well that he holds people captive to do his will and they do not even know it! (II Timothy 2:26).

As followers of the Lord Jesus we are to be aware so “Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes” (II Corinthians 2:11). Let us be on guard as the “Wolf” and “his wolves” are roaming around seeking to destroy the lives of whoever they can.

Dear Father, may I be aware of the devil’s schemes and also warn those who are being held captive to do his will. Oh, may many people escape his prison and come into the refuge of Jesus and do His will. May it be so.