Is That Smoke?

Rev 9:2 (KJV) And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.

Time & Again, Hell Breaks Loose

Christ in Gethsemane (Christus in Gethsemane),...

Christ in Gethsemane (Christus in Gethsemane), oil painting by Heinrich Ferdinand Hofmann (Heinrich Hofmann). The original is at the Riverside Church (Riverside Church, New York City). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Revelation 9:2 gives a frightening description of what happens when the pit of hell is literally opened. It is also an excellent metaphor for what happens when you are under satanic attack. Note the progression of events: the pit was opened, smoke arose, the sun and air were darkened. When the devil attacks you a similar series of events occurs.

Like Smoke, Lies & Deceptions Cloud Your Vision

Smoke represents the lies and deceptions that the enemy of your soul releases into your life. Smoke is dangerous because it obscures your vision: You can’t see where you are going, danger is hidden and your path is uncertain. Smoke also injures your lungs. If inhaled too long, it will replace the oxygen you need to live. Smoke suffocates. The devil comes to “kill, steal, and destroy” (John 10:10). Lies, deceptions, confusion and busyness are forms of satanic smoke that the devil uses to kill, steal, and destroy.

Satanic Smoke Is Dangerous

Perhaps the most deadly aspect of satanic smoke is that it darkens the sun. The sun is a source of life for every living thing and creature. Likewise, satanic smoke diminishes our ability to see the Son. The life of Christians depends upon the Son of  God. Without Him, we do not have life. The devil attacks our desire to read and know the Word of God. We grow busy with the smoke of our daily lives. Our time and attention are tossed about in a whirlwind of activity. We get lost in the smoke of distractions. We put off spending time in God’s presence. We become self-important and self-reliant. The Son becomes obscured, and our lives are choked out of abiding in the vine. We lose track of the fact that without Jesus we “can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Where There’s Satanic Smoke, There’s (Hell) Fire

Friends, look up. Look around you. Do you see the Son, or do you see “stuff?” When others look at you, do they see Jesus? If care and worries have darkened your ability to see the Son, pray to the Father now. Ask forgiveness, and embrace the life and strength so freely given by Jesus.

May these words educate, comfort and encourage you to pray today. Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10).

– Verneda

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