El Elyon (God Most High)

How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. For you said to yourself, “I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.” But instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead, down to its lowest depths. - Isaiah 14:12-15

The Devil used to be an angel. In Ezekiel 28, we read that he was the perfection of wisdom and beauty, clothed in jewels set in a matrix of the finest gold. He was a mighty, angelic guardian with access to the holy mountain of God. But his beauty, wisdom, talent and position got the better of him. He decided that it wasn’t enough to be LIKE God. He wanted to BE God.

In that moment of sublime stupidity, Lucifer (his old name means “light bearer”) infected other angels and all together, one-third of the heavenly host ended up being cast out of heaven (Rev. 12:4). Yet, the Devil still gets to visit every once in a while. In Job 1:6, we see that he periodically is called back to report to El Elyon (God Most High). He gets to converse with God Himself! We also know that Satan (his new name means “adversary”) knows the Scriptures. After all, didn’t he try to misquote them to the Lord in the wilderness?

So why would this incredibly ancient, wise, powerful creature who has actually lived in the presence of God, conversed with God and knows the Word of God rebel? Or, even if he rebelled, why would he continue in an obviously hopeless war? Why not simply give in and repent? Knowing the Word of God, he tried to get Herod to kill Jesus in His childhood. Understanding the implications of Immanuel (God With Us), he tried to drown Christ in the Sea of Galilee before the Lord could make it to the cross. The Devil knew the prophecies. He knew what Christ was here to do. Presumably, he’s read the whole Book and knows the end (Rom. 16:20). So, why does he persist in his sin?

Perhaps he is so wrapped up in his own bitterness that he doesn’t care what the consequences are; he doesn’t care what the Bible says – he’s going to do what he wants.

“Isn’t that the height of folly?” you may ask. Yes, you are right. But let me ask you something, friend, are you so very different? Do you know what the Bible says about a certain issue but still insist on your sin? Are you placing your opinion above El Elyon’s? Maybe you and the Devil have more in common than you think!