By the time you read this, the lava flows, eruptions, and ash plumes from Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano may have caused even more damage than as of this date. The destruction from Kilauea has Lasted more than two weeks and displaced thousands of people. Fountains of magma are exploding “lava bombs” 100 feet into the air. Cars and homes have been engulfed by lava that crushes anything in its path. Plus, high levels of sulfur dioxide are threatening anyone who gets too near. Multiple solutions to the destruction have been offered including, flooding or bombing the lava.
In the face of such inexorable devastation, some in Hawaii are reverting to an ancient solution. Like the original inhabitants of Hawaii, they believe that the volcano is a living goddess named Pele. Make Pele happy and the volcano dies down. In ancient times Pele would have been propitiated by throwing a virgin into the volcano’s cauldron. But since human sacrifice would now be considered murder, believers in Pele have been laying flowers and alcohol, especially vodka, wherever they find volcanic cracks in the ground. One of them said, “We are at the mercy of Pele. She’s coming back to right the wrongs of humanity. Pele and the lava are one and the same. When she comes, we move because she’s got the right of way.” This idolatrous insanity is so strong that some residents living near Kilauea have said, “I have love and respect for Pelehonuamea (Pele’s full name).”
Pele, goddess of fire and volcanoes is believed to live at the top of Kilauea. According to legend, she’s a jealous goddess who at times unleashes her fury and burns down everything in her way. By legend, she fought with her sister, the water goddess, and seduced her sister’s husband. Her brother, a shark, built a canoe for her to escape. Eventually, she had sex with a native chief, killed her younger sister, and finally murdered her native lover with fire. Sounds like Jezebel to me. I don’t believe that these eruptions are demonic. They are geologic, but those who think that booze will appease the spirit of Jezebel, of whom Pele is an archetype, better get out of the way of the lava. You can’t fight fire with firewater. By offering alcohol to what you think is a goddess, the lava may engulf you and Pele will possess you.
An Encouraging word: THE NAME OF JESUS
Most people when they hear the words of Psalm 8:1 probably think of the perennial praise song that says, “LORD our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Perhaps more than other, those who do deliverance get a glimpse of that majesty as they witness demons bowing at the name of Jesus. Sometimes I hear evil spirits cry out, “Stop saying that name.” Just the mention of our Lord causes the powers of darkness to tremble in fear. Sadly, in culture it has become a common curse to express anger, disgust, even damning intentions. But never forget, when you are in need that there is majesty and power in the name of Jesus.
