While writing my last blog post, I realized that it was the first time on here I discussed Satan and I struggled with the concept of writing about our Adversary. (I even wondered if I should capitalize the word Satan or not. Was he worthy of such font treatment?) Of course, as is natural for me, this led to more contemplation on the subject.
(By the way, how did a blog that started with reflections on the Reformation and Martin Luther avoid discussing the Devil for so long?)
Some people believe Satan is an actual being (a rebellious angel turned against God). Others believe the personality is used as a foil to personify the opposite of God. I personally believe Scripture points to both realities being true, and at the same time I wonder if this level of scrutiny really matters.
Through human experience, it is quite clear that there is evil in our world, regardless of who or what is behind it. All it takes is turning on the news, watching societal systems fail, or interacting with other humans for any prolonged period of time to see that ill intentions, opposite from the will of a good and loving God, are at play.
In our modern times it feels awkward discussing Satan with any seriousness. He is often seen as simply a silly specter for Halloween parties and Hollywood franchise films. The real Ancient Foe has faded into the antiquity of our society’s consciousness.
Jesus found it helpful to identify the evils around him as the work of Satan, going so far as to even call one of his closest disciples, Peter, “Satan” at one point when his suggestions were not in alignment with Jesus’ godly calling. (Matthew 16:21-28, Mark 8:31-9:1) The reaction from Jesus was clearly meant as a rebuke and Peter was not truly Satan. Jesus it seems actually honored Peter’s humanity and goodness by separating the person from the Sinful Suggester. He saw that it was not the true good nature of Peter speaking to him, but something subtlety sinister and ultimately wrong.
Perhaps we too (with maybe more polite language since we are not the Christ) need to feel more comfortable with identifying Satan and the like in our midst. And, in so doing, we can separate the evils in our world from the goodness also in it. Perhaps we can bring out a better humanity, by pointing our finger at the Adversary and our hearts towards the Almighty and one another.
Relevant Reformation 