One thing you have to say for Satanists, they don’t give up easily. Worshippers of Lucifer want to erect in Detroit, Michigan a nine-foot, one-ton bronze statue of the devil in Baphomet form. This half-human, half-goat symbol of Satan, complete with wings, cloven-hooves, and horns, is an ancient depiction of the devil. A group called the Satanic Temple wants to display this hideous representation. The statue is backed by an inverted pentagram and flanked by two young children gazing awe-like into Satan’s face.
The choice of the Motor City comes after Temple followers weren’t successful in getting this Satan symbol situated next to a statue of the Ten Commandments on Oklahoma State Capitol grounds. To make matters more bizarre, the Temple doesn’t want the Baphomet to stand there alone. They specifically want it next to the Commandments, in their words to send a message of the “reconciliation of opposites” and a “call-to-arms” against “self-serving theocrats.” Some church leaders in Detroit are understandably upset. In a city beset with bankruptcy and violence this certainly isn’t a step in the right direction.
How much should Christians be concerned about such things? Bishop Charles Ellis III, pastor of the 6,000 member Greater Grace Temple, says he’s not worried since America was “built on freedom of religion.” But wait a moment. Is the Bishop saying that symbols mean nothing? I suspect this same pastor was in favor of the confederate flag coming down from the South Carolina Statehouse. The flag, the cross, the Ten Commandments, Lady Justice gracing the Supreme Court – these are all powerful images that in a glance convey values embodied in their presence. Putting the devil in Detroit, if not vigorously opposed, is giving demons permission to further disgrace this great city.
An encouraging word: HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT
No matter what you may be facing today, as with the apostle Paul, the Lord’s “grace is sufficient” (1 Corinthians 12:9). But it’s the second part of that verse which really drives home this truth. Paul writes that the strength of Christ is perfected in our “weakness.” What a seeming contradiction. But the biblical teaching is that when we are weak in ourselves, we are strong in Jesus. Think of your own life. When things were going good, you may not have been so conscious of needing the Lord’s guidance. But in times of trials, you were likely more aware of your dependence on Him. The key to success in Christian living is to realize we need to be weak in ourselves and strong in the Lord no matter what our circumstances.
Bob Larson has trained healing and deliverance teams all over the world to set the captives free and Do What Jesus Did® (Luke 4:18). You can partner with Bob and support this vision to demonstrate God’s power in action by calling 303-980-1511 or clicking here to donate online.
