July 13Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness — 2 Cor. 11:14, 15.
If it be asked, How could Satan be interested in doing a good work? we answer, the Adversary thus assumes the garment of an angel of light and mercy, not to lead to the Light of the World—not to lead to the cross of Christ—not to lead to the Bible—but to lead away from these, to another hope of salvation, and to another teacher, to deceive, if it were possible, the very elect. And be it remembered that our Lord's words indicate that when matters come to this condition, where Satan will cast out Satan and heal disease, it is a marked evidence that his throne is tottering to its fall—that, so to speak, this is the last extremity of the Adversary's efforts to deceive—Z '99, 62 (R 2669). In Satan we have a foe testful of our hearts. In conflict with him, we, alone and unassisted would, because of his great cunning, be as pygmies in the hands of a giant. So cunning is he that he can make good appear evil and evil appear good; and for his own selfish purposes he causes his servants to appear as servants of righteousness, so that he might, if possible, deceive the very elect. Hence we should be ever vigilant against his and his servants' machinations, which are always deceitful—P '33, 80. Parallel passages: Gen. 3:1-5, 13-15; John 8:44; 2 Cor. 11:3, 4, 13; 2 Thes. 2:9; Rev. 12:9; 20:1-3, 7-9; Acts 20:29-31; Rom. 16:17; Gal. 1:8; Phil. 3:18, 19; 2 Tim. 3:1-9; 2 Pet. 2; 1 John 4:1-6; 2 John 1:7-10; Jude 1:4-19; Rev. 2:2, 13-15, 20-24. Hymns: 49, 22, 296, 311, 315, 332, 343. Poems of Dawn, 109: My Prayer. Tower Reading: Z '15, 341 (R 5799). Questions: Have Satan and his servants sought this week to deceive me? How? Did I succumb or overcome? How? With what results? MY PRAYER
BEING perplexed, I say, Lord, make it right! Night is as day to Thee, Darkness is light. I am afraid to touch Things that involve so much. My trembling hand may shake, Mine unskilled hand may break; Thine can make no mistake. Being in doubt, I say, Lord, make it plain! Which is the true, safe way, Which would be vain? I am not wise to know, Nor sure of foot to go; My poor eyes cannot see What is so clear to Thee— Lord, make it clear to me. |
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