So just what does Satan look like? The media gives him the appearance of a monster, with a head shaped like a goat. Artists have given him the form of a man with his own identifiable beard and with horns coming from his head. Cartoonists have portrayed him wearing a red suit with a pitchfork and a pointed tail. When you think of him, what picture do you get?
When the evil one came into the Garden of Eden, he was depicted as a serpent. Human aversion to snakes was unknown in the garden. It came later as the result of sin (Gen. 3:15). That “old serpent” who came to Eve appeared as one of God’s noblest creations. He was cunning and crafty and had the ability to speak. What danger could possibly come from a conversation with this amazing beast?
What harm could possibly come from Eve having a Bible discussion about what the Lord had said? Unaware of the dangers, she was taken captive by the cunning devices of Satan. We know, or at least should know, what she did not know. Paul said, “For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” His ministers, those he used for his purposes, transformed themselves into ministers of righteousness (2 Cor. 11:14-15). Things are not always as they seem.
So how does Satan appear to us? Perhaps he comes as an easy avenue to gain fortune through dishonest gain—remember those 30 pieces of silver! Perhaps as wine swirling so beautifully with it’s appealing aroma. Wine is still a mocker and must not be longingly looked upon (Prov. 20:1; 23:31). Perhaps he appears as a group of friends whose values are not the same as yours, but whose companionship coupled with the weight of peer pressure causes you to go along with them and lower your values. Perhaps he comes with a cup of coffee shared with an acquaintance as we tell them of our marital problems and they so sympathetically listen. Perhaps it comes as a “fun date” with someone you would never consider marrying and just decide to go out with them “just this one time.”
How does he appear to us? He appears in so many ways not mentioned above, but which are part of our daily lives. The point is this. If we only think of Satan as depicted by human wisdom, we will never see him! Is there any wonder Jesus urged that we pray we would not be led into temptation? Is there any wonder we are told to be sober and vigilant for that evil one who threatens us as a roaring lion? He comes in sheep’s clothing, yet we seemingly never look beyond the sheepskin.
Things are not always as they seem!