Satan Hates what God Loves

      The title may seem obvious, but the implications may be more subtle than they seem.  Three things will be examined; the nation of Israel, the incarnate Christ, and individual believers.

     When God called out the nation of Israel to be a light and example to all nations, He pronounced His love for them.

     “The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples; but because the LORD loves you…”  Deuteronomy 7:7-8a

     Satan has hated Israel from her calling and has attempted to destroy that nation and her future King from the time God set them apart unto this day and will continue his attack until his final demise.

     “…a fiery red dragon…stood before the woman (Israel) who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born.  She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron…”  Revelation 12:3-5

     Recall also that King Herod had all male children two years old and younger killed in an attempt to thwart God’s plan for Israel and her future king.

     Then consider Jesus Christ Himself; God loves His Son who was born to defeat Satan.

     “The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand.”  John 3:35

     The purpose of the Son was also announced by the Apostle John.

     “…For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.”  1 John 3:8b

     The enmity between Satan and the Son was originally announced in the Garden of Eden and will come to its conclusion in the future.

     And then God loves those who love and trust His Son.

     “…for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God.”  John 16:27

     Satan’s hatred for the believers can be better understood by considering his loss of heavenly authority and being relegated to the less glorious position of ‘ruler of this world’.

     “…for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.”  John 14:31

     The Greek base for ‘world’ is kosmos meaning in essence the present earthly order of things as opposed to the kingdom of God.  The idea is transience versus permanence.  It highlights the focus on the pleasures and enjoyments of this present life.  A basic premise is that maximum fulfillment is found during life on earth with little consideration given to eternal life, or the kingdom of God.

     Satan tempts mankind to follow their natural instincts and fulfill natural desires.  Such a strategy is deceptive and is warned against repeatedly in the Bible. Inasmuch as Christ represents just the opposite, the world and its ‘ruler’ hate Christ and all of His followers.

     “If you were of the world, the world would love its own.  Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”  John 15:19

     Jesus pulls no punches with His followers.  He states that a person either follows Him completely or not at all.  There is no in between.

     “He who is not with Me is against Me…”  Matthew 12:30

     Now then, how does this all relate to daily life?

       Thoughts and actions are either prompted by God or the enemy.  The source can be readily identified.  For example, who would prompt legislation or policies contrary to Israel’s well being?  Who would prompt legislation or policies to promote the legality of actions totally contrary to Biblical teachings?  Who would prompt legislation or policies that would remove references to Biblical truths such as simple nativity scenes during Christmas season?  Who would prompt legislation or policies that would remove references to the Cross at memorials, etc.?  Who would prompt legislation or policies that are aimed at pleasing men instead of pleasing God?

     In reality, the source of every ideology or action can be determined with little effort. 

     And again, this is America and everyone has the freedom of choice and expression, or to believe or not to believe.