Satan’s Deceptive Work
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The history of King Ahaziah’s sin and punishment has a lesson
of warning which none can disregard with impunity. Though we do
not pay homage to heathen gods, yet thousands are worshiping at
Satan’s shrine as verily as did the king of Israel. The very spirit of
heathen idolatry is rife today, though under the influence of science
and education it has assumed a more refined and attractive form. Every
day adds sorrowful evidence that faith in the sure word of prophecy is
fast decreasing, and that in its stead superstition and satanic witchery
are captivating the minds of men. All who do not earnestly search the
Scriptures and submit every desire and purpose of life to that unerring
test, all who do not seek God in prayer for a knowledge of His will,
will surely wander from the right path and fall under the deception of
Satan.
The Hebrews were the only nation favored with a knowledge of
the true God. When the king of Israel sent to inquire of a pagan oracle,
he proclaimed to the heathen that he had more confidence in their idols
than in the God of his people, the Creator of the heavens and the earth.
In the same manner do those who profess to have a knowledge of
God’s word dishonor Him when they turn from the Source of strength
and wisdom to ask help or counsel from the powers of darkness. If
God’s wrath was kindled by such a course on the part of a wicked,
idolatrous king, how can He regard a similar course pursued by those
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who profess to be His servants
No Man Can Serve Two Masters
Christ has brought before us two masters, God and the world, and
has plainly presented the fact that it is simply impossible for us to
serve both. If our interest in, and love for, this world predominate, we
shall not appreciate the things, which, above all others, are worthy of
our attention. The love of the world will exclude the love of God and
make our highest interests subordinate to worldly considerations. Thus
God will not hold so exalted a place in our affections and devotions as
do the things of the world.
Satan deals with men more guardedly than he dealt with Christ in
the wilderness of temptation, for he is admonished that he there lost
his case. He is a conquered foe. He does not come to man directly and
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Testimonies for the Church 5:191, 192, 196