Mole rats, specifically naked mole rats, have some very unusual characteristics. They can resist cancers, defy the aging process of most mammals, survive almost 20 minutes without oxygen, and tolerate high levels of pain. But it has been discovered that they kidnap each other’s babies and turn them into slaves, much like in ant and bee colonies. The queen can give birth to up to 30 pups per litter and convinces subordinate female subjects to babysit them.
“Words from Above” in the Bible tell us about a notorious fallen angel named Satan, who “kidnaps” humans and takes control of their souls. He was able to take on the form of a serpent in the Garden of Eden to convince the first woman Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit. He twisted what God had said to Adam and Eve about touching or eating the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden. He continues to twist the words of God even today to convince people to do all kinds of things forbidden to them by God. When he tempted Jesus after Jesus had spent 40 days and nights fasting and praying in the wilderness, he quoted Scriptures in an effort to convince Jesus to do what he wanted Him to do.
Because Satan has a knowledge of the Scriptures, this means that believers should also know the Scriptures well enough to not be fooled by Satan. Psalm 119:11 tells us that we should hide God’s Word in our hearts, so that we might not sin against Him. This speaks to memorizing at least portions of His Word, as many as we can possibly memorize. Psalm 1 says that our delight should be in the law of the Lord, and that we should also meditate in His law day and night. The apostle Paul wrote to a young pastor named Timothy to encourage him to study the Word so that he might show himself approved unto God, so that he would not need to be ashamed as he sought to do the work of the Lord, and so he could properly explain God’s Word to others.
The Bible in II Corinthians 11 also tells us that Satan can transform himself into an angel of light, giving a false appearance and impression. We need to be aware of this so that we are not fooled like Adam and Eve. It is not very likely that he will appear wearing a red suit and holding a pitchfork in his hand. He will use every possible trick to deceive people and convince us that we do not need God and cause us to doubt our salvation.
Larry R. Steffee is pastor of the Center Hill Brethren In Christ Church on Miller Road in Smithville. Everyone is welcome to attend. For informa-tion, you may email lrsteffeetn@yahoo.com.
