Volume 29, No. 5                              
February 1, 2004

Speak of the Devil

   Satan will be much more animated in our lives if we persist in seeing the devil as a cartoon character.  Yet increasingly in our society, and even in the church, that’s how he’s pictured.  So where did that portrayal come from?

   The image of the red demon with horns and pitchfork dates back, not to the Bible, but to the 10th century.  That’s when Satan first took on the characteristics of a goat, including a beard, horns, hooves and hairy legs.  Historian J.C.J. Metford says that’s because the goat was once synonymous with sex and, according to legend, the devil “tempted saints by whispering in their ears the lewd details of the sexual pleasures they had relinquished.”  

   Besides, the church in earlier times discouraged interest in other religions by ridiculing competing gods.  The goat-like features of Satan probably come from Pan, the Greek god of shepherds, fertility and nature.  The devil’s skin was coloured red, the same colour as blood and fire, and his three-pronged fork or triton was borrowed from Poseidon, the bad-tempered Greek god of the sea and earthquakes.

   During the Middle Ages, the devil was portrayed in Europe as a clumsy,mean-tempered dimwit with a fondness for pranks.  It was believed, for example, that he loved to trip people up by laying his long, invisible tail in their way.  Most people dismissed the threat of Satan, thinking the wise and holy could easily outsmart him. One way to do that was simply to refer to him by a nickname, such as “the good man” or “the old gentleman”.  People thought that if you “spoke of the Devil” he’d appear.  So they didn’t.

   In recent times, Satan has undergone a makeover.  He’s now portrayed as an all-powerful evil one who possesses little girls (The Exorcist) and tries to destroy the world (The Omen).  A Pennsylvania man, Gerald Mayo, went so far as to sue Satan for violating his civil rights alleging the devil “placed deliberate obstacles in the plaintiff’s path”, brought him “misery”, and “caused his downfall”.  The case was thrown out of court when Mayo couldn’t tell the U.S. Marshall how to serve Satan with a subpoena, or prove Satan lived within the jurisdiction of the District Court.

   The court had it right.  Our enemy — Satan means Adversary — is  “the mighty prince of the power of the air.”   He’s “the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.”  (Eph. 2:2).  He and his henchmen are “the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world... those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world... and wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.” (Eph. 6:12)

   Far from silly and insipid, the real Serpent is unseen, insinuating and insidious. His chief weapons are lies, deceit, temptation and discouragement, which are all the more powerful when we don’t see them coming, either because we dismiss the existence of the devil, or underestimate his power.  Jesus took him seriously.  So must we.

   That’s because he still whispers in the ears of the saints, tempting us with reminders of what we’re missing.  When that doesn’t work, he sows discord and discouragement, and appeals to our pride or insecurity by convincing us that we have no real sin, or so much sin we’ll never measure up.

   His work is ugly, but not his appearance.  Often, he’ll “disguise himself as an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:14), using the twin tools of action and distraction to keep us from the things that matter.  Being busy is not the same as being spiritual and even “church work” can keep us from doing the real work of the church.  When Satan manipulates us through the competing demands of family, work and service to others, we fall for it almost every time.

   But he’s not invincible.  We only get into trouble when we proudly assume we can fight him by ourselves, or we stray from the Lord’s presence.  “So humble yourselves before God.  Resist the Devil and he’ll flee from you.  Draw close to God and God will draw close to you.” (James 4:7).  Jude warns us not to “scoff at the power of the glorious ones” (evil angels).  So rather than trivialize or ignore Satan, let’s remind each other of his lies.  Speak of the devil.
By Rick Gamble, published in Cross Current, the weekly newsletter of the Followers of Christ congregation in Brantford, Ontario, Canada.  Reprint at will in not-for-profit publications.  To subscribe, contact sgamble@bfree.on.ca

NEWS AND NOTES

Summing It All Up!
Our Congregational Meeting ran for three hours but covered lots and yielded many great suggestions.   Be sure to pick up your four-page summary and see Rick Gamble if you have any questions.  There was a wonderful exchange of ideas and a very positive, unified approach to our work and worship, for which we’re very grateful.  A big “Thanks!” to everyone who contributed!   Also on Wednesday, Rose Gale, Clive Whiddett and Jim Gamble were reelected as Trustees for a one-year term.  These financial officers do a wonderful job on our behalf and they deserve our gratitude.  Thank you, folks!    

Readers, Digest!
Our Potluck for February is set for next Sunday.  Tammy Gamble, Co-ordinator of  our Soul Food Committee, has a sign-up list so please see her before you leave today.  Our next Potluck, in April, will be a traditional Easter Dinner.

Participate In This Coverup!
The boxes in the Office and at the back of the Worship Room are for donations to the City Missions collection of winter wear.  There’s an urgent need for coats (no dress coats please) and thick socks but they also need boots, hats, gloves and scarves.  Please bring in your contributions as soon as possible and we’ll get them to those in need!

Bow.  Wow!
Starting a week tonight, the Prayer Power group will meet each Sunday evening from 7:30 to 8:30 around the big table in the Kitchen.  That location is quiet and comfortable and will allow the group to pray while other activities take place in the Office and Family Room from time to time.  Whether you’re a seasoned prayer warrior or just learning to pray,  everyone is invited.  Come and pray what’s on your heart.

Putting Yourself Down!
We have a comprehensive list of the many jobs, big and small, that must be done each week or on a monthly basis.  Please have a squint — the list is on the table at the back of the Worship Room — and sign up for something.  Every member of this church family is expected to make a contribution somewhere.

Explorers Wanted!
Discussions are underway about starting a new evening class that would be longer than our usual discussions and deal with a number of issues at a deeper, more detailed level.   If you’re interested, please see Ed Embury or Rick Gamble.  If you have a topic you’d like to explore, tell Rick.  Also be thinking about what night of the week would be best for you (other than Tues. or Wed.)