mocking the devil

I've been reading C.S. Lewis' Screwtape Letters over the past couple of weeks and I am struck by the insight Lewis had in writing them.  I am also enjoying his sense of humor.  The book opens, in fact, with a quote from Martin Luther stating the intentionality of the humor: "The best way to drive out the devil, if he will not yield to texts of Scripture, is to jeer and flout him, for he cannot bear scorn."


For years I would have been one who was afraid to "mock" the devil in any way.  Perhaps I thought if I made him mad he might come after me, or something.  I'm not sure.  I've even heard of pastors and Christian leaders who have deliberately chosen to "back off" of something God was leading them to do in order to protect themselves and their families from feared direct attacks of Satan.  I have come to believe, however, that these fears are more shaped by Hollywood than the Bible.


I have run across others who have shared their fear of retribution from Satan because of something they have done or prayed, in warring against him.  After gaining some victory in prayer over the enemy, they will then add to their prayers a prayer against retribution - that Satan will not strike back.  While I can see how such a prayer might encourage faith, I do not believe it takes seriously enough the kind of authority Christ has given us over these forces.  Please do not misunderstand me.  I do believe that our enemy "prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour," (1 Peter 5.8) and that we must be on the alert for his schemes.  I do believe that when we make choices contrary to God's design and leading, we "give the devil a foothold," as Paul would say (Ephesians 4.27).  So there is reason to continue to stand - alert and guarded - against our enemy, lest we "invite" him back into our lives and give him a "place."  But to fear retribution from the evil one for victories we win in our spiritual battle is, I think, a misreading of the reality.


The Apostle Paul knows nothing of fear when it comes to the "spiritual forces of evil" in the world.  He does not dwell on them.  He names their defeat in Jesus' cross and resurrection, encourages his churches to trust in that victory and bids them advance with the Kingdom work God has given them.  Paul acknowledges that Satan is at work and powerful, but he himself is rather bold and fearless in the face of that power.  And he encourages us to be the same.


May you find grace and encouragement this week to live into the victory God in Christ has given us.  May you live and declare God's truth fearlessly, as you should.  And may we all maintain a sense of humor along the way!  Amen.