THE DEVILISH BUG ZAPPER!

 

By Michael K. Farrar, O.D.

© God’s Breath Publications 

Inspired by a sermon given by Pastor Ted Roberts

 

The moth joyously bounced through the night air. It loved flying at night. It felt safe to glide through the cool air of the dark night. Its only concern was if a bat were near. To the moth, bats were the ultimate evil and the only thing it should fear, nothing else could touch it in the darkness of the night. The moth’s wings stroked in synchronous motion as it glided through the sky. 

 

Off in the distance it perceived a bright light. The moth’s multifaceted eyes locked onto the small bright light near the horizon. The moth was intrigued. This wasn’t the sun rising that was pure, powerful and perfect light. This was similar to the sun’s light, but of a slightly different color. It resembled the sun’s purity, but something about it was different. This was tempting. Any light in the midst of the darkness of the world of night was something to draw the soul of any moth.   

 

The moth flew quickly towards the small light. The light grew in size as the moth drew closer. As the moth approached the light it noticed a structure surrounding it. Possibly this light was special and was something of value and needed to be protected. The moth was curious as to why such a light would be shining in the midst of the blackness of night. The moth pushed its large multi-colored wings harder. It must see what this light was all about. Light, glorious light, what a beautiful sight! 

 

As the moth drew within a few feet of the strange mechanism that glowed, it could only gaze into the hazy blue glow of the lighted tubes. It hovered momentarily worshiping the comforting brilliance of its light. The moth was totally mesmerized. The moth failed to see the burnt and dried skeletons of hundreds of insects covering the bottom of the metallic apparatus. All it could do was gaze ahead staring deeply into the tempting glowing light. The moth slowly drew closer and closer. What a light! It was so appealing, so mesmerizing. Its wings touched the wire mesh that formed the outer boundary of the structure holding the light. This was only a small annoyance and the moth fluttered through the square metal entrance. It was so close, so close to the light, which captivated its attention.  

 

The moth never knew what hit it. In an instance, in a split-second, a surge of electricity flowed through the moth and it fell in a confusion of smoke, flame and body parts to the bottom of the Bug-zapper device.   

 

The moth had never suspected that another creature had spent much time, precious money and devious creativity to develop and establish such a temptation to lure and destroy insects such as this. It had fallen into the trap of a simulated, artificially created, deceptively presented attraction. This failure to observe and recognize a temptation for what it was resulted in the untimely death of a beautiful lunar moth, one of the most beautiful of God’s creations. 

 

How similar is our world. People wander around in life stumbling in the dark, making choices and decisions without the guidance of the Lord or the Holy Spirit. In their pursuit for happiness and fulfillment they sometimes notice something that resembles truth and light. Unsuspectingly they pursue this cause, purpose, or interest with the hopes that it will bring contentment and satisfaction. Unfortunately, just like the moth, another creature has been hard at work planning for their destruction. Satan has had centuries to fine-tune his methods and skills in the area of temptation. When you add to this his evil and twisted mindset you have a deadly combination. How like moths we are, even Christians. All of us can fall into the temptation of following a false light, one which had partial truth or which promises to feed our senses and the appetite of our emotions. Non-Christians who do not possess a relationship with the God of creation are most helpless, but often are not victims that the Evil One seeks. The Deceiver, Satan, knows that without the Lord people are no threat to Him. Without knowing the truth of scripture these individuals are easily deceived into following the false lights he hangs in the world to lure them to destruction. These lights of deception are of numerous types and designs. Satan knows one style of light is not for everyone so he has created a myriad of styles to fit any personality, emotion or need. Be it pornography, drugs, materialism, violence, riches, power, prestige, popularity, Satan has a version for you. Satan is a very intelligent creature. He does not hang his lights of evil temptation where they can be seen for what they are. Often he will disguise them or mix just enough truth with their construction so that they appear to be legitimate.  

 

Christians (who should know better) are often drawn to these lights as much as non-believers. Satan is no respecter of persons; he will bring destruction, defeat and death to all who would befall his lies. Satan is especially interested in attracting Christians to his lights of deception. Christians are the children of God and have the potential to frustrate Satan’s plans for the world. Satan will present just the right temptation at just the right time to distract and attract a Christian away from the pure guiding light of God’s Son and His Word.  

 

So what are we to do as God’s Children as we face the darkness of this world and notice the temptations of false light that glimmer in the blackness? We must strive to know the truth of the penetrating light of God’s Word. We must pray for guidance, wisdom and insight, as we travel in this world that is not our home. God will light our paths and guide us in the truth if we simply ask Him. We must seek out one another for support and fellowship so we can lead one another away from those things that would distract us from the love of God. We must seek to tell others, those who have not accepted Jesus as their Savior, about the truth of the saving grace that God provides. Unless we do these things, we will fall for the lie and who knows what kind of destruction will fill our lives?  

 

Various scriptures speak of the light God presents to lift us out of the darkness of this world. Read over these scriptures that follow. Consider whether you are following the light of God’s Savior Jesus Christ or a false light of lies. If you are a child of God and have allowed yourself to be led astray, come back to your Heavenly Father. Don’t follow the path of destruction, which has tempted you. Confess your sin and let the light of God fill your heart and soul. If you do not have a relationship with Christ as your Savior, I petition you to strongly consider the love He has demonstrated towards you. Seek Him and He will save you from your sins. 

2 Corinthians 11:14 15

 “…for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”

 

John 3:19 21

“Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”

 

John 8:12

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”