Soul Snack 122/11 ... Docking @ Heaven

Why does God continue to permit satan's presence in His world?

The story is told that -

There were some fishermen from a coastal Chinese village who fished in their traditional waters near the shore. Each day they would return to their market with very fresh fish and usually received a good price for these fish.

In contrast the fishermen who cast their nets far out to sea returned late and by the time they docked their fish were limp and glassy eyed. They rarely received a good price. Rightly dissatisfied with their lot they consulted a sage who counselled them to place the catfish they caught into the boat's hold with all the other fish rather than returning the catfish to the sea.

With wisdom they responded positively to his advice and threw the catfish in with the remainder of the haul in the dark hold on their ensuing day of fishing. The catfish chased the fish nipping at their tails and continually kept them on the move until the ship had returned to the markets. When the boat had docked these fish were still jumping and bright eyed - the fishermen smiled brightly as they now received a superior price.

It is in the same manner that satan is granted by God to nip the heels of the saints -- when they dock at heaven they will not be lethargic and glazed over but full of life and energised to share in all the festivities. There is no doubt that satan's presence keeps Christians on their mettle.

One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them.The LORD said to Satan, Where have you come from? Satan answered the LORD, From roaming through the earth and going to and fro in it. (Job 1:6-7)

This anecdote is attributed to evangelist Leland Wang a contemporary of Watchman Nee.

It is reproduced and edited with permission - p32 "The Good News that nobody wanted to Know" - Tom Jewett, Pub:The Isaiah Ministries Trust 04 - Devonport Tasmania

Today's Soul Snippet:

Jesus come to feed you, satan comes to fool you.