SATAN'S CLOAKING DEVICE

From 1966-1969 a television series captured the imagination of every little boy and my husband was no exception.  Yes, Steve is a “Trekkie, not one of those crazy, dress in weird costumes with pointy ears fans; but a “Trekkie” that still enjoys Star Trek movies and science fiction in general.  I have to admit, although not an aficionado like Steve, I do enjoy a Star Trek flick every once in a while; not for the conflict but for the technology, that in the 60’s one could only dream of having.  Today some of that technology has become a reality.  Not one of us will leave home without our “communicator” in our pocket, purse or attached to our ear.  “Phasers” have become standard issue for law enforcement.  The “command center” in my car can map my destination, call a friend, has a juke box loaded with mp3s, can give me weather alerts and check my automobile’s systems as I drive.  We all carry our “PADDS” and interface with friends and loved ones continually in real time.  The technology that I found most fascinating, however, was the “Transporter.”   Yesterday, a breakthrough in transportation was announced called High Speed Travel Tubes that could possibly allow you to travel from NY to Beijing in 2 hours.  Is there no limit to what the human mind came develop if allowed to dream?  My great-grandchildren will laugh as they climb into Travel Tubes, at how in the “olden” days, people had to travel in jets that took hours to go across the ocean.

Back to Star Trek….The Federation patrolled the area where “no man had gone before,” in the Starship, Enterprise.  There were always scoundrels and terrorists to be on the lookout for and sometime engage with in a skirmish to keep the inhabitants of various worlds safe.  The Romulans were one of the chief adversaries of the Federation.  The Romulans developed “Cloaking” technology and shared it with the Klingons, another Federation enemy.  This technology allowed them to close in on the Federation starship without detection.   The problem with using the cloaking device is that they could not use their weapons at the same time which gave the Federation an edge with its weapons and shields. By the end of each episode, the Federation had prevailed and the Klingons or Romulans were sent back to plot and plan for another day.

Now that you are well-versed in Star Trek lore, how does this apply to our life?  We have an adversary who is constantly attacking and finding new ways to come against the People of God.    1 Peter 5:8 identifies this adversary; “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:”  Our adversary, the devil, slinks around, sometimes he mounts a full frontal attack and other times he is a coward, blindsiding his prey and attacking from behind.  Most times, however, he dons his “cloaking device” and appears as an “angel of light.”  Suddenly, you realize that he has slipped in unaware and a skirmish is about to ensue.

2 Corinthians 11:13-14 describes Satan and his soldiers as they prepare for battle, fully “cloaked.”  13 “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.  ¹⁴ And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.”  Remember the Star Trek example; using the cloaking device causes other weapons to become less effective.  Satan is not invincible and the People of God are not without powerful weapons and shields.

2 Corinthians 2:11 tells us that “We are not ignorant of Satan’s devices.”  We just need to have our strategy planned and our weapons powered up and ready.  Our most powerful weapon is our Conquering Leader and His orders have been handed down; Ephesians 6:10-11 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”  REPORTING FOR DUTY!!!!

 God has a whole arsenal of powerful weapons at our disposal. Buckle on the Belt of Truth, slip your arms through the Breastplate of Righteousness, tie the laces of the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace nice and tight on your feet, and put the Helmet of Salvation on your head; left hand, the Shield of Faith; right hand, the Sword of the Spirit.  NOW….you are ARMED and READY!!!

Ephesians 6:14-17 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; ¹⁵ And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;   ¹⁶ Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Satan can bring on his best battle plan, the People of God will prevail.  2 Corinthians 10:4  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.  I can guarantee that if the weapons of our warfare can pull down strong holds, they can penetrate Satan’s “cloaking device.”  We can stand strong and confident in our Leader and His arsenal.  It is time to send Satan fleeing with his impotent army; we are the People of God!!!