Counterfeit Light

Daily Reading: 2 Corinthians 11

Scripture Focus: Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11.14)

Devotional Thought: And, it's only the midterms... I keep hearing myself say that. There is so much noise in the political arena these days. If you believed everything you heard or read, your head would be spinning. Each politician and each pundit, however, avers that they are telling the truth - not just the truth, but the truth that could save America, the light that could change the course of history! Credulity is stretched to the limit. Do you ever get tired of it?

It's nothing new. As Paul reminds us, Satan has been doing that very thing for as long as he's been in business. Satan is the proper name derived from the word meaning adversary, or accuser. Satan is our adversary, but he knows that we would resist him if he presented himself as an enemy. So, he cloaks his lies in light.

Disguising himself as an angel and his message as light, Satan spreads lies and fear and false confidence. Sometimes he works with impressions / suggestions to deter us. Sometimes he uses memories - true ones and false ones - to deceive us. At other times he uses people - some very well-intentioned - to discourage us. At all times he is working to "lead astray, if possible, even the elect" (Matthew 24.24). I am getting tired of it.

But, thanks be to God - we have "the word of faith" (Romans 10.8), for God "has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Corinthians 4.6). When you grow weary and suspicious of all you see on the news, look for "the light [that] shines in the darkness" for "the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1.5).

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, that you are the true Light for all. Help me to recognize and reject the counterfeit light that Satan casts to shadow the real truth. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 118.19-24

19 Open to me the gates of righteousness,

that I may enter through them

and give thanks to the Lord.

20 This is the gate of the Lord;

the righteous shall enter through it.

21 I thank you that you have answered me

and have become my salvation.

22 The stone that the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone.

23 This is the Lord's doing;

it is marvelous in our eyes.

24 This is the day that the Lord has made;

let us rejoice and be glad in it.