God rules Satan

Given the excited tone of my recent posts, I thought I'd better return to heavy, heavy, heavy lest you think my head is going to remain perpetually in the clouds.

A long quote from William Henry Green's book "The Argument of the Book of Job Unfolded" seemed perfect. I am thankful to my friend Phil for using this quote in one of his excellent sermons on Job during 2004, and later kindly passing the quote onto me. William Henry Green says of Satan:

"With all his hatred of God and spite against His people, he cannot emancipate himself from that sovereign control, which binds him to God's service. In all his blasphemous designs he is, in spite of himself, doing the work of God. In all his rebellious efforts to dethrone the Most High, he is actually paying Him submissive homage.

In moving heaven and earth to accomplish the perdition of those whom Christ has ransomed, he is actually fitting them for glory. Fiend as he is, full of bitterness and malignity, and intent on every form of mischief. However, he is constrained to be that which he most abhors, and is furthest from his intentions and desires. He remains a helpful auxiliary to the designs of grace.

Like the sons of God who assemble in the presence of the Infinite Majesty to receive the commissions of the King of kings, prompt to do his bidding and to execute his will, Satan is, though most reluctantly, and in a different sense from them, yet as really and as truly, in the case of those who, like Job, steadfastly resist his insidious assaults, a ministering spirit sent forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation. "

Many people speak of Satan as though he can thwart God. This quote is a reminder that he can never thwart God's plans for us. He can only assist God to achieve his plans.

Phil has a blog: http://philninness.blogspot.com