Faith Matters

Ages Past

It demands discipline to summarize a story where the chief protagonists predate time as we know it. But with a little prayer and humility, I will try.

Humility, for fear of scope creep or the temptation of sowing misunderstanding and confusion. Also, I will endeavour to steer clear of religiosity while leaning on canonized literature.

There are plenty of Quranic references to the Hebrew Torah (תוֹרָה) and the Christian Bible. For example.

نَزَّلَ عَلَيْكَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ بِٱلْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًۭا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَأَنزَلَ ٱلتَّوْرَىٰةَ وَٱلْإِنجِيلَ ٣

“He has revealed to you ˹O Prophet˺ the Book in truth, confirming what came before it, as He revealed the Torah and the Gospel (Injil)”

– Ali ‘Imran 3:3

وَيُعَلِّمُهُ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ وَٱلْحِكْمَةَ وَٱلتَّوْرَىٰةَ وَٱلْإِنجِيلَ ٤٨

“And Allah will teach him writing and wisdom, the Torah and the Gospel”,

– Ali ‘Imran 3:48

On this occasion, we will stick with the Torah / Bible just to keep it simple.

I appreciate just the mention of the label “Satan” invokes different meaning to different people. Those etymology definitions and arguments can stay on ice for another day. For this topic, we start at this chilling statement from the Christian New Testament (NT) part of the Bible.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

– 1 Peter 5:8

The English word “devil” right there is “Satan” derivative of the Greek word diabolos (slanderer), translated from a Hebrew satan (שטן) – Notice the lowercase (s).

Greek and Hebrew languages are both picturesque and numerical. The Hebrew gematria (value) of שטן (satan) equals 359, which reduces to 17 (3+5+9).

In the Hebrew alphabet (alef-bet) Seventeen (17) makes the letter: Peh Numerical value of 80. Pictographic meaning of mouth, opening, speech, blow, scatter. Thus, the mouth reveals a lot about one’s character.

From the ancient Hebrew and Greek perspective, our subject “Satan”, the devil is more of a “role” than a name. It means “adversary”,”opponent”, or “one who opposes another in purpose or act. ” – See Christswords.com article, “Satan”.

Strong’s Greek: 476 ἀντίδικος (antidikos) is a technical legal term depicting Satan’s role as an opponent or adversary. It is an ancient legal scene placing the conflict squarely in a courtroom setting prior to conclusion on the battlefield.

In the Torah (OT Bible) books of Job 1:1-6 and Zechariah 3:1-5, Satan assumes a prosecution role in his slanderous campaign against Job and Joshua the high priest. There is a happy ending for the defendants in both cases. However, throughout history we learn that when dealing with Satan victory comes at a premium.

You are doing great for tracking with me. So far, we have opened but a tiny window in the world of our satanic-legalist character. The next point takes us a little bit further to the devil’s previous career. Notice the Quran is referring to the same personality here when mentioning the “devils” and “Satan”.

هَلۡأُنَبِّئُكُمۡعَلَىٰمَنتَنَزَّلُٱلشَّيَٰطِينُ٢٢١

“Shall I inform you of whom the devils ˹actually˺ descend upon?”

– Ash-Shu’ara 26:221

يَٰٓأَبَتِلَاتَعۡبُدِٱلشَّيۡطَٰنَۖإِنَّٱلشَّيۡطَٰنَكَانَلِلرَّحۡمَٰنِعَصِيّٗا٤٤

“O dear father! Do not worship Satan. Surely Satan is ever rebellious against the Most Compassionate.”

– Maryam 19:44

Watch the verb “descend” stand out in Ash-Shu’ara 26:221. Specifically, Satan came down, fell, or emerged from a higher to a lower place or level at some point. From the Torah (OT Bible) we learn of such foreboding events connected to ages past.

“Then a war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But the dragon was not strong enough, and no longer was any place found in heaven for him and his angels. And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.”

– Revelation 12:7-9

Put that episode in a movie context, you just witnessed violence of biblical proportions! Remember what we said earlier? The conflict always begins at the courthouse before featuring anywhere near the battlefield.

Also, we just learned that the “dragon” is another among a myriad of adjectives attributed to the devil. Satan’s first job in the unseen (heavenly) realm focused on high profile angelic activity and ended in mass rebellion. The court was seated, a verdict was rendered, and Satan with allies evicted to the earthly realm (Luke 10:18 | John 16:11).

Sounds like fiction, right? Well, atheism (disbelief or lack of belief in the existence of God or gods) is one of the greatest enablers to Satan’s success. You’ve seen popular caricaturization of Satan as some creature with a forked tail, long tongue, fiery eyes, and twin pointed horns. Then, there is Darwinism and other isms along those lines. All that packs a perfect camouflage in Satan’s trade toolbox to the detriment of unsuspecting victims.

Think of a meteorology alert urging residents to evacuate a coastal district ahead of impending storm. The warning wouldn’t make much sense unless you have been through a wild twister.

Remarkably, watchers always come up with fancy names of these naturally colourless and intangible meteorological phenomena. When it is all over, breaking news flash across the screen; “Tornadoes left behind a path of destruction in Alabama and Georgia”, “Extreme weather and tornadoes have caused widespread devastation”. Relief efforts begin. Insurance companies count the cost. Civic engineers adjust plans and hope for the best next time round.

That is the kind of obscurity and unfair advantage that Satan enjoys most of the time. Remember 1 Peter 5:8 earlier? I like the way the English Standard Version (ESV) presents that red flag.

“Be sober minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

– 1 Peter 5:8

Metaphorically, it’s all about mind and soul. The New American Standard Bible (NAS) condenses it like this.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places”.

– Ephesians 6:12

Speaking of “heavenly places”, it simply implies boundless swathes of that invisible realm, in the air where Satan and co. reside (Ephesians 2:2).

According to scripture the spirit realm is a vast array beyond comprehension of mortals. Think of The Milky Way galaxy and beyond.

“The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth He has given to mankind”.

– Psalm 115:16 – Berean Standard Bible (BSB)

That highest heaven is where Satan was hurled to the earth with a sizable army of angelic co-conspirators (Revelation 12:7-12).

In Isaiah 45:5, God is the final Authority.

“I am the LORD; there is no other God. I have equipped you for battle, though you don’t even know me.”

– Isaiah 45:5 (NLT)

In His Likeness

I was raised in family that went to a local Anglicized church where we learned to recite “The Model Prayer” (aka, the Lord’s Prayer) that Jesus Christ taught His disciples (Matthew 6:5-14).

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done.
On earth as it is in heaven. . ..

– Matthew 6:5-14

Back then, none of that made much sense to me apart from catechism benefits, and my parents feeling proud of me. What about now? That brings us to our next point.

So far, we have peeked into the unseen (heavenly) realms. The highest, inhabited by God Almighty, the architect of it all.

According to scripture, God is spirit (John 4:24). All life (visible or invisible), including mortals originate with God’s highest spirit place of timelessness (Ephesians 1:4 | Psalm 139:16).

At some point, God chose to embody a special family of spirits, equipped them with a soul (intellect), and made them manifest in a transient earthly realm (Psalm 139:13-16). God called this three-dimensional (soul, mind, body) arrangement man (Genesis 1:26).

To crown it all, God made such a cataclysmic revelation that He fashioned man in His own image (Genesis 1:26, 27). We already know from (John 4:24) that God is spirit. So how precisely could man fit the likeness of God?

“For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one”.

– 1 John 5:7,8

Like many things Biblical, that portion of scripture if taken literally out of context can trigger such a theological problem. That is probably what gave traction to such contentious Trinitarian doctrines spawning conflicting sects in Christianity. Yet, the Bible clearly debunks that in Deuteronomy 6:4.

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one!”

– Deuteronomy 6:4

When you transpose that to our Model Prayer where it says, “Our Father in heaven”, suddenly the scales fall from your eyes. Like father, like son. Man’s complex uniqueness packaged as a three-dimensional being has DNA passed down from God.

Biologically, no other flesh and blood creatures on earth can claim that. It is therefore worth highlighting that who we are, what we are, and where we are as human beings is entirely a prerogative of the Power beyond us. No amount of religious, cultural, or scientific pronouns can alter that. I can take that to the bank and sleep.

Now you know the first reason why Satan hate humans. Our likeness in God is a constant reminder of the Lord’s justice handed down against the devil (Ezekiel 28:13-19 | Revelation 12:7-12).

The Fall

Then, God gave man dominion (full authority) over everything in the earthly realm (Genesis 1:26-30). This was the first time in recorded history when God declared that everything He had made, indeed it was “very good” (Genesis 1:31).

The lower realm at this moment in history was already hosting ancient celestial outlaws that fell out of favour from their original estate. Again, transposing the next portion of the Model Prayer over this escalation shows the second reason why Satan’s hatred for humans knows no bounds.

God’s royal mandate to man would certainly cause His name to be hallowed not only in heaven but also here in the earth. The theocracy threatened Satan’s illusory emancipation. God’s “will” be done in the earthly realm“, as it is in heaven” evocative of age-old insult to injury. Satan decided he wasn’t going to put up with that and developed a plan.

According to the Book of Revelation 12:4, when Satan fell from heaven a third of angelic collaborators followed him. No one can quantify that for sure without running the risk of hearsay (Hebrews 12:22). All we know, that is an awful lot of power under wickedness.

Practically power without authority is futile. Satan reached for one of his most potent tools. By intrigue, the devil usurped delegated authority from the first human family of Adam and his wife Eve (Genesis 2,3).

It is written that God presides over a fair justice system (Deuteronomy 32:4 | Psalm 50:6). The devil capitalized on that and leaned on his (antidikos) prosecuting, slanderous credentials to exact retribution. A verdict was rendered against the Adam-Eve couple precipitating the “fall” of man from favour with God.

A dark metaphysical episode dawned over the earthly realm (Ephesians 2:2 | 1 John 5:19). Generations would have to endure costly iniquitous consequences passed down from that Adamic brief error of judgement. To maintain obscurity and plausible deniability Satan prefers to wrap it all in mythology, atheism, polytheism, and more.

Moreover, Satan’s pedigree features unlimited host of abnormality including rebel, tempter, liar, arch-enemy and so forth. The devil, armed with both power and stolen authority continues his apocalyptic campaign. The goal – corruption, mutilation, and destruction of God’s image invested in man (John 10:10 | 1 Peter 5:8 – ESV).

In his misguided rivalry with God, Satan focuses on the soft target. Jeremiah 31:29 recorded a saying, ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, And the children’s teeth are set on edge.’ Put that in reverse order and imagine how God, the Father feels when those fashioned in His image get hurt.

Just like the unseen, intangible weather phenomena that wreak havoc in their paths, Satan’s culpability is solid. Remember 1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)?

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

– 1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)?

It is worth pointing out that the devil cannot “devour” (prosecute) at will. Our keyword, “sober” right there appeals to the intellect – that other part of man invisible to the naked eye. Simple criteria: Conceptualization, followed by confession. In other words, learn about it, perceive it mind and soul, then put it into practice physiologically. At that stage, there’s enough evidence for prosecution in the unseen realm. The rest is history. The cost made manifest in the physical is insurmountable.

You think by now the devil would be out of business thanks to the proliferation of religious activity around the word. Unfortunately, we live in a world obsessed by progressivism, and submerged in domestic discord. Those who think religious versus secular vs those who think they would rather be liberals and democratic. Conservatives vs progressive liberals. Nationalists vs globalists. The common people vs billionaires, and munch more. All that compounded by a lightning pace in vocabulary trend.

The last time I checked: online Wiki pages, Search engines like Google, popular encyclopaedias, and dictionaries register over 200 new English lingo alternates every year. Wokeism, and Gender Ideology topping the list of social engineering pools spawning new adjectives to help sanitize traditional taboos. The perfect environment where Satan’s agenda and his stealth capabilities get realized.

The last part of our Model Prayer offers some kind of rope though. Not to hang with, but God’s harness of rescue. 

“. . . and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one”.

– Matthew 6:12-13 (NLT)

The Hebrew word for sin is חטא (chet) with a numerical value of 18. When we break that down further, we get (1+8) = 9.

Ninth is the Hebrew letter “Tet”, numerical value of 9. Pictographic meaning among others, concealment (good/evil), to surround, snake, knot, twist, spiral, judgment.

Satan is synonymous with that ancient serpent of Eden (Genesis 2, 3), and the apocalyptic dragon (Revelation 12:7-9) that surrounds and destroys life. Hunter snake types constrict (wrap around) prey then squeeze life out to kill before swallowing it. Satan uses sin as a strong wall that surrounds us. The devil injects pride into the sinner’s mind to block repentance. Unrepentance and unforgiveness are the two greatest inhibitors to obtaining freedom and restoration from God.

What is symbolically expressed when we repent is “breaking free” from the wall of destruction from “within” and “turn back” towards freedom (Isaiah 44:22 | Acts 3:19).

Traditionally, religious recitation of the Model Prayer is exactly just that. It is a routine, ceremonial performance with no enduring result. Any attempts to rise above the niceties invite suspicion of extremism.

How To Pray

First, let us get to know a little bit more about our lead prayer coach.

The Hebrew name “Yeshua” (ישוע) is the Anglicized Jesus, Latinized Joshua (Exodus 17:9 | Ezra 2:2). From the verb ישע (yasha’), it means Salvation, Saved.

Yeshua HaMashiach is Hebrew for “Jesus the Messiah”. In a nutshell, Jesus Christ is Yeshua HaMashiach, Anointed Salvation.

Towards the end of His earthly ministry, Yeshua asked God in prayer to protect those left behind.

“I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world”.

– John 17:15-16

Notice some versions use the term “protect” instead of “keep” in John 17:15 . For example:

“I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but that You keep them and protect them from the evil one“.

– John 17:15 Amplified Bible (AMP)

Here is why . . .

• The numerical value of Yeshua ישוע is 386, (3+8+6) = 17.
• Seventeenth Hebrew Letter is Peh (פ), numerical value of 80.
• Passover, or Pesach (פסח) is the first of seven major Jewish (Biblical) feasts observed every year. Often linked to the Christian holiday and festival of Easter.
• Numerical value of Pesach (פסח) is 148, (1+4+8) = 13.
• Thirteenth Hebrew Letter is Mem (מ), numerical value of 40. Pictographic meaning of water, chaos, blood.

• Mem (מ) is the “center” of the Hebrew alefbet (alphabet).
• Yeshua ישוע is the Mediator of the new covenant, who shed His blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel (Hebrews 12:24).
• Fifteenth Hebrew Letter: Shamech (ס) sits in the middle of פסח (Pesach, Passover). Numerical value of 60. Pictographic meaning, to surround, support, protect.
• Both Chet (ח) and Shamech (ס), as in פסח (Pesach) are synonymous with support and protection.
• Pesach פסח (Chet, Samech, Peh) – Combined represent “total protection”. Messiah Yeshua (the lamb) standing guard when He sees His own blood at the door, to defend against the destroyer (Exodus 12:13,23 | 1 Corinthians 5:7 | Revelation 13:8). Remember, Yeshua is the Door (Dalet) דלת (John 10:9).

• God so loved the world that He offered Messiah Yeshua as a Pesach פסח (Passover) sacrifice for sin (John 3:16).
• Chapter 13 in the NT Bible book of 1 Corinthians goes deep about Love.
• Love protects (1 Corinthians 13:7) – New International Version (NIV)
• God is Love (1 John 4:8,16)
• Messiah Yeshua is God made manifest in flesh (John 1:1 | John 10:30)
• Thirteen (13) is associated with covenant, Love, Unity, and Eternity.

“Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one (echad)!”

– Deuteronomy 6:4

• Echad אחד (one) is the watchword of Israel.
• Echad אחד (One) and Ahavah אהבה (Love) are linked, through the same numerical value: 13.
• The Greatest Commandment is Love (Deuteronomy 6:5 | Matthew 22:36-40)
• Messiah Yeshua promised, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (John 14:23). It means a closer relationship with the Almighty God. This is the kind of family bond that God designed in order to bring heaven to earth.

Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.

– Matthew 6:10

Nothing puts the adversary on edge like that synchronicity between heaven and earth. That is why we should endeavour to break free from religious apathy and constraints that hinder the flow of the supernatural intent of God.

Prayer is not a duty. It is a privilege to benefit from God’s mercy and grace. In prayer you do not seek for mitigation, you seek God’s glory. What will bring God the glory is your freedom. Failure causes reproach to God’s name. God agonizes when His people fail (Psalm 95:10). God must endure the pain as a Father while fulfilling His impartial obligation as Judge (Deuteronomy 32:4). God, the Judge is bound by His own law (Isaiah 33:22). He will not fulfil His Father’s passion to bless unless the legal matters be resolved (Psalm 58:11).

If you can see what I see, then you are one step away towards turning the Model Prayer from a liturgical relic to your best legal aid tool.

When you are guilty as charged you need a good lawyer. Attorneys play a key role representing or guiding their clients through the maze of legal issues. In John 17, Yeshua demonstrates Messianic advocacy for those needing help with matters beyond carnal limitations.

In the earthly courthouse, it is the attorney that primarily bears witness for their non-technical client. The judge expects of the attorney to adhere to specific legal standards for the matter to be concluded fairly. The client’s primary obligation is to trust their attorney regardless of whether the jargon of the law makes sense. It is not unusual to see attorneys with illustrious credentials win cases easily because their reputation proceeds them and strikes fear in the opposing side. 

Presenting the Model Prayer via the attention of Yeshua makes it the “Lord’s Prayer”. Intercessory prayer places you in a place of a lawyer (Luke 11:5-8). You cannot persuade God out of your way into trouble. Because of Yeshua’s covenant relationship with God, He takes ownership of the prayer dialog and pleads on behalf of the one on their knees (Hebrews 7:25). God relents from impending judgement He can righteously apply and allows His Father’s passion to bless.

The criterion is simple. Do it and understand it later. No religious interface or preconditions required. The door to the courthouse opens the moment you begin to realize you need to be there (Hebrews 4:16). At the entrance it is written,

“But everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved,”

– Joel 2:32 (NLT)

Literally, everyone means religious limitations do not apply. Somehow there, is where the Quran meets the Bible.

فَإِنكُنتَفِيشَكّٖمِّمَّآأَنزَلۡنَآإِلَيۡكَفَسۡـَٔلِٱلَّذِينَيَقۡرَءُونَٱلۡكِتَٰبَمِنقَبۡلِكَۚلَقَدۡجَآءَكَٱلۡحَقُّمِنرَّبِّكَفَلَاتَكُونَنَّمِنَٱلۡمُمۡتَرِينَ٩٤

“If you ˹O Prophet˺(Muhammad) are in doubt about ˹these stories˺ that We have revealed to you, then ask those who read the Scripture (Torah) before you. The truth has certainly come to you from your Lord, so do not be one of those who doubt”,

– Surah Yunus 10:94

In Philippians 2:11, it says Yeshua is Lord. Then in John 14:6, He is also the the way, the truth, and the life. I cannot put it any better than John 8:32 where Yeshua promises, “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

You become Satan’s worst nightmare the moment you place prayer in the jurisdiction of heavenly law enforcement empowered by the truth. Again, notice what the Bible say about the Lord’s judicial credentials.

“For the LORD is our judge,
The LORD is our lawgiver,
The LORD is our king;
He will save us—”

– Isaiah 33:22 (NAS)

Satan (antidikos / satan) is a legalist who does not want his own clients anywhere near the heavenly courthouse. He specializes in digging dirt on those actively trying their best to live right with their Creator then drag them to court.

Wait! Wasn’t Satan evicted from heaven ages past? How possible is it then that the devil would be allowed access to present cases before God, the Judge? Is that fair? That scenario seems to raise more questions than answers, does it not?

Well, there are certain things you and I will never know until we get to heaven. God in His Wisdom has allowed us to know and understand everything we need to accomplish His purposes here in the earth. If the world can come up with virtual conferencing technology like Zoom, then I believe heaven would be doing far much better than that.

The moment Satan sows doubts in your mind about God and His ways, then that becomes the handle with which the devil can use to violate your legal rights before the Lord. Simply because you don’t know how does not mean God is not at work. We have a God who snatches glory out of the jaws of a crisis. Whatever that means, rest assured God, the Father has your best interests figured out (Jeremiah 29:11 | Psalm 8:4 | Romans 8:28).

Satan, the legalist recognizes the jurisdiction of heavenly law enforcement. But to unsuspecting victims, the devil makes it look like he is the law and everything else is mythical.

Satan recognizes God’s “total authority” invested in Yeshua’s judicial work with everyone who calls on the name of the Lord (Philippians 2:8-11 | Matthew 28:18 | Acts 4:12).

Just like reputable earthly attorneys strike fear in the hearts of their opponents, nothing terrifies Satan like the site of the Lord’s name listed on the legal team of a believer. Why? Because Yeshua fulfilled God’s maximum legal condition for restoration of fallen humanity. Through Yeshua’s sacrificial death and resurrection believers are justified (Romans 5:1-3). Satan wouldn’t do that for anyone regardless.

There is no shortage of religious objections to the death and resurrection of Yeshua Christ and the purpose thereof. Nothing sets Satan’s heart dancing like that.

The Hebrew way of doing things is like, “Do it and understand it later”. When you call upon the name of the Lord and it does not work for you, don not quit, return to prayer in humility for guidance. Keep seeking. Keep knocking. Keep asking. It will all become clearer when you press on (Matthew 7:7-11).

One thing for sure, when God promises He delivers (Jeremiah 1:12). God is more interested in your success than you are because He cares about His image in you (Psalm 23:3 | Ezekiel 36:22-23). Yeshua’s sacrifice on the Cross is evidence enough of why humans are worth dying for (Romans 5:8-10).

The Greek way of doing things is rather abstract. I must analyse and understand it fully before I make the first move. Satan likes that too. By the time you return things would probably have moved on and there may never be a second chance. Time on earth is finite. Heaven is all about eternity.

Your Place in Heaven

We have just covered the third reason why Satan hates humans. The devil loses the battle whenever Yeshua intervenes on behalf of someone who calls on the name of the Lord. Technically, you are calling in heaven’s cavalry as soon as these three statements register in your prayer . . .

Your kingdom come.
Your will be done.
On earth as it is in heaven. . ..

– Matthew 6:5-14

The Greek mind set is the kingdom of God exists in Heaven not upon the earth. Satan will constantly try to use that perception to erode your advantages. When you call in defeat, that is exactly what you get.

One more thing on the Greek abstract thought concerning things that cannot be accessed or felt with the 5 senses . . ., don’t even try. However, your heavenly Attorney contend you have security clearance in the courts of heaven. Yeshua is “the door” through which we have access to God’s throne room of grace and mercy (John 10:7, 9 | Isaiah 1:18). Now.

“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.”

– Hebrews 12:22-24

Remember you are that embodied spirit being created in the image of God and sent to live in the finite world. You are not a stranger in heaven. The real you (spirit) are welcome to God’s presence. Any time (Isaiah 1:18).

That is reason number four why Satan hates humans. You occupy a place that used to belong to him in heavenly places. You have full security clearance. The devil and his fallen angelic partners in crime don’t. Satan’s top priority is to recruit you to his ranks of losers. His best strategy is to alienate that part of you (spirit / soul) from anything to do with God.

That moment you feel the urge to reason out, debate against the things of God, then you know your mind just been compromised or about to. You cannot argue your way into, or out of what God has already sanctioned before time began.

Your war is not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12). It begins in the unseen realm of the mind. The conflict can never be won on the battlefield until legal matters be settled in the courthouse. Your adversary and his army of agents are specialists in this arena. You stand a chance of victory, every time upon calling on the name of the Lord. Your heavenly Attorney ranks far higher than any principalities and powers (Colossians 2:10 | Ephesians 1:19-23 | 1 Peter 3:18-22). No amount of physical display, religious doctrine or sacrificial rituals can deter Satan or sway God’s opinion.

The Protocol

The fifth reason in our coverage today why Satan hates humans is a question of eschatological significancy.

Invoking the name of the Lord within the context of the “Model Prayer” activates Attorney–client privilege with Yeshua by default.

The Hebrew name for God (יהוה) read from right to left; “yod (yud)”, “hey”, “vav”, “hey” (YHWH). The letter “yod (yud)” is a symbol of a “hand”, numerical value = 10. The second letter is “hey”, a symbol of a person with their hands raised meaning “behold!”, numerical value = 5. The Letter “vav” is a symbol of a “nail”, numerical value = 6. The letter “hey” is repeated at the end placing the “vav” (the nail) between two “hey(s)” (persons).

In construction nails (vav) are crucial for connecting material together for stability. Yeshua was connected to the wooden Roman cross by nails (vav) one on each hand (yod/yud). The symbolism is of a mediator reconciling two sides for a stable relationship (Hebrews 12:24).

Total numerical value for יהוה is 26 which reduces to (2+6) = 8. Eighth Hebrew letter is Chet, numerical value of eight (8). Pictographic meaning wall, fence, protect, new beginning. Symbolically expresses a watershed moment for anyone who calls on the name of the Lord. A transition from Satan’s wall of destruction to “freedom” inside the Lord’s “Chet” custody. The new fence is for protection from “within” and keeping the adversary out.

The name for God (יהוה) is the “stamp” that “seals” the Attorney–client privilege in the courts of heaven. Once the matter is expunged, heaven keeps the recorded testimony of Yeshua (the mediator) sealed up except for special refence. Only Yeshua HaMashiach has earned the authority to open the seals (Revelation 5:4). The adversary (antidikos) gets rebuked by God, the Judge every time he tries to resurrect a matter under seal. God is now free to exercise the “Father’s Passion” to bless.

Like all legal documents here in the earth, those who call on the name of the Lord keep a copy of the Attorney–client privilege seal etched with their spirit (2 Corinthians 1:22 | 1 John 5:9-12 | Revelation 12:17 | Revelation 19:10).

“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.”

– Ephesians 1:13-14

Because spirit beings are from the eternal (timeless) domain, the Attorney–client privilege seal etched with a believer’s spirit also bears infinite validity. The body will perish. But the Spirit (soul) is destined to return where the whole story began – To eternity with God the Creator. The only exception is Satan and his legions of fallen allies (John 16:11 | Revelation 20:7-10).

That enviable privilege is the ultimate reason why Satan hates humans, especially those who call on the name of the Lord. For they are destined to inherit eternal life soaked in the glory of God their creator.

The phrase “Hallowed be Your name” in the Lord’s Prayer demands adherence to certain legal standards during court proceedings. You are not to fear the adversary, treat the (antidikos) prosecution role they carry with respect. Insulting the contender will put you in trouble with the Judge for contempt. Do not let your emotions ruin your day. Resist getting drawn into name calling against Satan like; liar, ugly, during prayer. The saying goes, “people in glass houses don’t throw stones”. Let God be the Just Judge.

The earthly justice system presumes innocence before guilt. In heaven you are already declared guilty by iniquitous association. Everything else you do is just a top-up. All manner of sin is equal before God’s eyes. We are justified by faith in God’s plan of reconciliation, salvation, and restoration. Satan, the slanderer will always try to wind you up and provoke a reaction that will cause delayed justice. You bleed faith over delayed prayer results. God is a “now” operator. Time lives outside of its Creator. The Lord’s business is express. Your response, or lack of it determines the pace of enforcement for the verdict rendered. Be still and know that He is God. Humility isn’t a sign of weakness (Jude 1:9 | James 4:10).

When you pray, always be brief to the point (Matthew 6:7). Never yell at the adversary or at anyone else for that matter. God knows what you think even before you utter a single word (Matthew 6:8 | Isaiah 65:24 | 1 Samuel 1:12-20). Always address the Judge, not the adversary.

God mandates His people to pray for the needs of others. However, avoid adventurous encounters devoid of discernment. Seek God’s will first in all circumstances. You risk a backlash from the adversary if you lean on your understanding (Acts 19:11-16).

Crown your prayer always with gratitude. God is diametrically opposed to complainers.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen“.

– Hebrews 11:1

Victory Guaranteed

Satan hates being dragged to court on others’ terms. The devil will do anything to frustrate proceedings because he knows he cannot win (John 16:11).

Guard against religious legalism. It quenches the Spirit and suppresses progress in understanding God’s ways. Do not be afraid of questioning certain religious sensitivities and bending a few rules where scripturally necessary. If Yeshua said it, do it. If Yeshua did it, do it. If it is written, follow through (Matthew 11:29). Persecution is a badge of honour if it is for the Lord’s sake. It might as well supercharge your faith instead of shaking you. Religion can change and let you down. God, your creator does not change (Malachi 3:6). Yeshua’s love for everyone who call on the name of the Lord by faith, not by religion yields priceless dividends (Hebrews 11:6).  

Conclusion

God created all things from a timeless spirit realm in heaven. Humans are exceptional embodied spirits with a soul and mind, a three-in-one image of God – a masterpiece. Angels are ministering spirits created to operate in the unseen realm in partnership with man for God’s purposes and glory.

Satan presides over angelic beings that fell out of favour with God but maintain rebellious sway in the earthly realm. Man, fell also due to sinful influence by Satan. God’s judicial plan of reconciliation, restoration, and salvation for man demanded capital punishment of sinless Yeshua on the Cross. By faith, whoever acknowledges and calls on the name of the Lord Yeshua HaMashiach qualifies for justification.

However, Satan and his followers have been sentenced to eternal damnation. That is why it would be naïve (almost criminal) for man to expect anything from Satan less than envy and hatred of the highest degree.

God’s unconditional love and grace counteracts anything that defines Satan’s hatred of you. A practical application of the Lord’s prayer to Yeshua’s Messianic advocacy resolves legal constraints and accelerates God’s legal right to bless.

The Priestly Blessing

The LORD bless you, and keep you [protect you, sustain you, and guard you];
The LORD make His face shine upon you [with favor],
And be gracious to you [surrounding you with lovingkindness];
The LORD lift up His countenance (face) upon you [with divine approval],
And give you peace [a tranquil heart and life].’

Amen

Recommended Resource:

• From The Courtroom of Heaven To the Throne Of Grace and Mercy (ISBN: 9780977018048) – by Jeanette Strauss.
• Father, Friend, and Judge: Three Dimensions of Prayer that Receive Answers from Heaven (ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0768443172 | ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0768443172) – by Robert Henderson.
• DID GOD PRESS THE PAUSE BUTTON?: Decoding The Hidden Message Behind COVID-19 Lockdown (Paperback ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9970439138 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-9970439133) – by Jim Paige.