And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. I Corinthians 11:14
The masquerade ball . . . a dance of mystery mixed with curiosity and intrigue. The chance to be and to meet someone through dazzling masks and suave expressions of love. It so easily entices the senses and persuades the mind to the pursuit. Yet, beneath the distraction lies a heart that appears to be love.
Paul, too, was concerned about this dance of deception. His cry to the Corinthians in his letter was because of the false teachings of Jesus by others. He reminded them of his intent to introduce them, as a bride of purity to Christ. But, through listening to the voices of others preaching falsely about Christ, Paul calls a spade a spade by outing the deception of Satan through their being “led astray from [their] sincere and pure devotion to Christ.”
How easily we become entangled in the web of deception. When Satan’s minions, his servants, masquerade themselves as servants of righteousness we fall for the most unlikely love. The masquerade that so deceives our mind, deceives our hearts. It’s not love at all!
Since the dawn of time, Satan has had a vengeance against the One who banished him from the heavens. His mission is to destroy Christ and all He represents. His battle is not against man, I am but no trouble to him. Unless, however, Christ, who is my life, reigns in and through me! That changes things!
This battle that rages though, is not to be fought by me — I’ll never win — but Christ, who lives in me fights on my behalf! It’s allowing Christ to be Christ in me, through me — Christ my life!
And, yet, Christ who IS love, is quite the unlikely love when he arrived on scene as a baby to the dance of life . . . unnoticed.
Lord Jesus, I know that Satan is the great deceiver! I know too, that you have every battle I face. When I stray, and I will, remind me of your light, the True light. Reveal in my mind and my heart the most unlikely love Satan portrays for me through his lies and remind me of the Love you ARE!