The Dark Alternative

I am preparing to teach a class in June on John Bunyan’s classic The Pilgrim’s Progress.

This classic was published 340 years ago and has been translated in over 200 languages.

Bunyan populated his allegory with many characters including that of Apollyon.

This name can be found in the book of Revelation.

Revelation 9:11 (NET) - They have as king over them the angel of the abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek, Apollyon.

In Bunyan’s classic, a mighty battle takes place between Apollyon and the main character, Christian.

A battle which Christian ultimately wins but only after a long and difficult struggle.

As I continued my preparations, it occurred to me that we do not hear much about Satan these days.

We might if the sermon is about Job.

Job 1:6-7 (NET) - Now the day came when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord—and Satan also arrived among them. The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” And Satan answered the Lord, “From roving about on the earth, and from walking back and forth across it.”

Or, if the sermon is about Christ’s temptation.

Matthew 4:1 (NET) - Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

Other than these instances, we really don’t hear much about Satan these days.

We hear even less about Hell.

Times have certainly changed.

These days, we go out of our way not to make people feel uncomfortable.

But at what cost?

When we begin to care more for people’s feelings than we do for their eternal souls, we can do them a disservice.

Mentioning Satan or Hell, might make people feel uncomfortable.

But that is not necessarily a bad thing.

A little discomfort can be a great motivator for change.

Our focus should remain on the Trinity – The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.

But one fact remains.

Many people today simply refuse to believe that Satan even exists.

That is perhaps the most powerful weapon in his arsenal.

We should emphasize the good and the positive.

But we must never forget for a moment that there is a dark alternative.

An alternative simply lying patiently in wait.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 4, 2018.

I will be back here on Friday, May 11, 2018