Leviathan Part 7: The Devil Is On A Leash

 

Job 41:2 Can you put a reed through his nose, Or pierce his jaw with a hook?

God continues to question Job concerning omnipotence. After all, it’s one of the calling cards of a sovereign God! If Job could exercise this kind of control over this monster of the deep (who is a type of Satan) then Job may have a leg to stand on as he complains to God. But we all must admit only God has that kind of control over Leviathan. (over Satan)

Have you ever seen a ring in the nose of a bull? The handler put it in there in order to control the beast. A little tug on the rope attached to the ring and the bull gets the message. So God is able to put a ring (a reed) in the nose of Leviathan. (the devil)  In short, the devil is on God’s leash. He can only go so far, and that leeway is determined by God!

 

This has already been illustrated for us in the opening chapters of the Book of Job, where God sets the boundaries on how far the devil could go with his dealings with Job. Job 1:12 And the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person." So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.

 

Now let’s look at part two of this verse: Have you ever gone fishing and put your catch on a stringer? The stringer is tied to the boat and it goes through the gills and keeps the fish alive in the water and in your possession until you get the home and clean them up for dinner. God uses that illustration (piercing the jaw with a hook) again to prove the devil is on the leash of God’s choosing. The devil (Leviathan) is allowed to stick around until God is ready to toss him in the fryer, and that will happen on the last Day, when God is finished with him. Re 20:10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

 

God uses Satan for His purposes and His glory. The devil can never go so far as to thwart the will of the Father. Take comfort in that fact! God has been and always will be in control. Remember this verse from the Book of Revelation. Jesus has the first say and the last, therefore do not fear! Re 1:17 “He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last.”