OFF KILTER: Resist Him
Today's message comes to us via the Whitecross song "Resist Him" from their 1988 album Hammer and Nail. Detractors would say that it's no surprise to see heavy metal lyrics talking about satan, but here is a song filled with christian lyrics grounded in scripture.
"Resist Him" Satan, the roaring lion, roams to and fro Seeking whom he may devour. The Word of God tells us so. He's the father, the father of lies, And he's come to destroy. He's the one who hates you, And discards you like a broken toy. The Lord opposes the proud, But gives grace to the humble. Give yourself to God. With your eyes on Him, you won't stumble. As for Satan, resist him And he will flee from you. Oh, resist him. Get close to God, He will get close to you. Oh Satan, he tells you he has something good for you. He whispers in your ear, cracks open the door, He crashes through
(1988 Pure Metal Records)
The lyrics echo the words of
James 4:6-10 (Today's NIV) "But he gives us more grace. That is why the Scripture says: 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.' Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn, and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."
James 4:6-10 (The Message: Remix) "It's common knowledge that 'God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.' So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet."
There are two vital admonitions here: Resist the devil, and submit to God. We'll explore each briefly. First is the nature of our enemy, the devil. He promises us the world, but the Word says that he hates us and wants nothing better than to destroy us. Don't believe his lies. He tempts us and plots to drag us down with him. Should we fear him? No! When he sidles up to us and tries to ensnare us in sin, we learn that we only have to resist him and he'll run away like the scared dog he is. That's some real reassurance for us as humans.
Second and most important is to submit to God. Who knew that the key to conquering the world would be to kneel before your Creator? We don't have the power, but we know the One who does. When you give control over to Him as a christian and allow Him to work in your life, you will see Him change you. You'll see sin fall away, and God begin to mold you into the person He intends you to be. When you attempt to be the master of your own destiny, you do just the opposite- you resist God and submit to the devil. It is only when we learn who to say yes to and who to say no to that our lives fall into place. Submit to God and resist the devil for true fulfillment in life.
