On a Chain

Homes in Romania are much different than homes here in the United States.  The structure is built right on the street with a solid metal gate leading into a courtyard and on into the back yard (which happens to be the only yard).  The front door is on the side of the house behind the metal gate.  So, when I came to a house and knocked on the gate, the family dog started to bark, and the homeowner knew that someone was at the gate.  I never know how big the dog is; they all sounded big and dangerous behind ta gate.  Pastor Florin’s dog, Rex, was a good-sized dog.  But I didn’t need to be fearful to enter Brother Florin’s gate because Rex was on a chain near the back of the patio beside a path that led to the garden.  To walk into the back yard, I had to stay on the path so as not to get too close to Rex.  Rex would snarl and snap at me, but he was on a chain.  I was afraid of him, but I didn’t need to be afraid of him because he was on a chain.  Hey, that’s exactly how we Christians are with Satan.  Satan deceives us and causes us much pain and suffering.  Satan is a formidable foe, but he is no match for Jesus Christ.  John said in Revelation 20:1&2, “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years.”  Just like Rex on a chain, Satan is on a chain and can only go as far as God allows.  God even uses Satan to accomplish His will.  But someday, Satan will be banished to the pit where he deserves to be.  And God will wipe away all tears.  What a day that will be!  So, don’t be afraid of Satan; God has him on a short chain.  But be fearful of Almighty God.  Don’t ever forget: God has Satan under His control.