What Satan did was treason.  Yet his treason was not like that of man.  For as a man may commit treason in America he may still flee to Chile.  Or he may be exiled to another country.  For there are many lands and many rulers.

But Satan desired equality with God.  Perhaps he even desired the very throne of God.  There are not many heavens or many gods.
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The treason of Satan allows him no place to run and no place to which he can be exiled for God is all in all.  But instead of immediate execution, the wisdom of God developed a use for this wicked one.

God intended the wickedness of Satan to test a people.  And not just any test, it is a test worthy of God himself.  After all, if Satan thought he was greater than God let it be proven in this place of testing.

Hey.  Psssst.  Can I “bug” you?

Did you know that the Lord is going to turn on the light?

Did you know that the Lord wants to change cockroaches in to moths?

Without Jesus I was poison to my fellow man.  Now, with Jesus, I am become poison in their eyes.  What will such a one do to avoid the sorrow that brings?  He will remember that the Holy Son of God was known as a man of sorrows.  He came from Glory.  How much was He considered poison to men of this bloody place of testing?   He knew this sorrow more keenly than is possible for us to know.  And if this rejection causes my heart to become heavy, how much more did it weigh His down.

For this I can say I am glad, even while the tears flow with sorrow!  He has walked this place and overcome!  He lives to secure us even within the fire of hatred we encounter. 

Father in Heaven, hold nothing against any man for my sake.  But provoke Your servant to stand with a bright face before them.  Let these tears leave no stain on my cheeks for them to witness!   These are holy water.  They are not for use in profane places.  They remain before Your Holy throne; saved for that great day of eternal praise.

May Your Holy will be done forever!  You alone are Good.

By His Grace.  Amen.

They said, “Lord, teach us to pray”.  His great mercy gave them words to speak.  But then the Lord of Life gave them MORE.  To their death they encountered reasons to pray.  They were compelled by their assignments to string words together with their very blood!  Yes, He taught them to pray!

Lord Jesus, teach me to pray…………