Day 155

“Then locusts came from the smoke and descended on the earth, and they were given power to sting like scorpions. REV.9:3.NLT 
Remember the story from primary school of a frog and a scorpion who were contemplating a swift river that they needed to cross. The barrier was more of a problem to the scorpion than it was to the frog. So, the scorpion asked the frog to allow it to ride on the frog’s back across the river. Convinced by the scorpion’s argument, the frog agreed to ferry the scorpion across the river. Halfway across the river, the scorpion stung the frog. As both were going down to their deaths, the frog protested, “Why did you do that? You promised!” 
“I couldn’t help it,” responded the scorpion, “It’s my nature to sting!” 

An old friend of mine (now deceased) told me once of a 30cm scorpion he encountered during the Vietnam war, with pincers as large as his thumb. I am told that the scorpion’s sting is one of the most painful things a human being can endure. In this passage, the scorpion represents the power of darkness and evil. The scorpion’s tail is his weapon of deceit and lies( Isa 9:15). Satan offers people enticing opportunities. He promises that if they will follow him they will have pleasures galore, wealth and fame, everything their heart desires. Jesus promised us power over scorpions.(Luke10:18 – 20)

His followers quickly discover, however, that while he may promise many things, it is his nature to torment those in his control. The enticing things he dangles, like illicit sex, power over others, and the accumulation of things, all have consequences that lead to misery and pain. He seeks to hide these consequences with a pleasant face, but let the tempted ones beware! There is no joy and no future in serving Satan. God says, “I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore, choose life that both you and your seed may live.” (Deut 30:19)