Depending upon the time of day, I like to listen to the radio while I write. During today’s news update, there were two murder suicide’s featured in the area. After watching an episode of Lost Season 1 last night, one scene came to my mind, a conversation between Locke (Terry O’Quinn) and Jack (Matthew Fox). Locke suggested that some people look like the Devil is chasing them. In the case of these four victims, they didn’t run fast enough to avoid death.
After [Judas had taken] the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly [without delay],” John 13:27.
In the passage above, Jesus makes the statement Satan entered Judas Iscariot during the last supper. Bible commentaries suggest this possession accelerated Judas’ desire to betray Jesus. Knowing what was about to come, Jesus exhorts Judas to finish his plan without delay. Unfortunately, the moment individuals think things through in their mind, the act of sin quickly follows. By this time, it’s often too late to turn back. Using the analogy above, the Devil has caught you from behind and won’t let go.
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God” [for temptation does not originate from God, but from our own flaws]; for God cannot be tempted by [what is] evil, and He Himself tempts no one. 14 But each one is tempted when he is dragged away, enticed and baited [to commit sin] by his own [worldly] desire (lust, passion). 15 Then when the illicit desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin has run its course, it gives birth to death, James 1:13-15.
Temptation is like a classic car chase scene from a movie. Initially, the good character is in the clear, far from harm. However, as this pursuit continues chaos, distractions and traffic place the bad guy within striking distance. Unless you flee from evil, minds will eventually embrace earthly desires. Thus, the more you stare at temptation, it’s only a matter of time before the Devil grabs ahold of your life. Therefore, be alert, on guard and keep watch so you stay well out of the Devil’s reach.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 