Though the Almighty knows the complete physical and spiritual address of Satan, He has chosen not to crush him immediately. This teaches us an important lesson: learn to live with your enemies. This is our message for Easter.
God knows the entire postal and physical address of Satan, and if He chose to destroy him, it would not take even a microsecond. However, He has refrained from taking vengeance until a time of His own choosing.
In one of the scriptures, when God invited His angels for a gathering, Satan was also present among them. God noticed him and asked, “Where have you been all this time?” Satan replied that he had been moving around the earth, observing—and perhaps disturbing—God’s people. This exchange is recorded in the Holy Scriptures.
Satan’s presence at a meeting he was not formally invited to carries several lessons and connotations. First, God could have expelled him immediately, as he was clearly an intruder by both earthly and heavenly standards. Secondly, God could have destroyed him on the spot, considering that Satan’s departure from heaven was in bad faith, having attempted to overthrow the Almighty. Yet, God demonstrated tolerance toward His arch-enemy and even allowed him to continue existing.
Biblical scripture indicates that Satan was once among the most trusted beings during the days of creation, enjoying a special place in heaven. However, he later rebelled against legitimate authority—for reasons best known to himself.
Today, rebellious characters exist in many spheres of life, including homes, cultural institutions, government, churches, schools, and even social spaces. Such behavior is often driven by greed, selfish ambition, and the desire to control or share power and wealth.
The key lesson from this reflection is the importance of tolerance toward our enemies, just as God demonstrates. In many cases, enemies eventually realize their mistakes and may seek repentance. Conversely, an enemy can serve as a guide, teaching us what not to become. Often, we deliberately choose to act in ways that contrast with the behavior of those we oppose.
Even a thief can teach valuable lessons. First, they remind us that stealing is wrong. Secondly, they teach us to remain vigilant in protecting our property.
If Satan did not exist, humanity might constantly rebel against God without restraint. In a way, Satan serves as a contrasting force, taking the blame when humans stray, while also reminding us of the consequences of disobedience. Often, when we face earthly troubles attributed to evil, we turn back to God for comfort and guidance.
Therefore, always strive to be tolerant toward your enemies and refrain from imitating their actions. Instead, choose the opposite path, one of integrity, patience, and righteousness.
During the long journey from Egypt, when the Israelites grew weary, they turned against Moses and even rejected the Almighty, choosing instead to worship a man-made god. This illustrates how easily people can be led astray.
Perhaps Satan plays a role that is not always fully understood, one that tests human faith and resilience. Rather than praying for the destruction of your enemies, focus on doing what is right while you still have the gift of life.
The writer is an educationist and legal scholar from Mbale and serves as the spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution.
