The Fall of Lucifer
This passage in Isaiah contains a prophecy against Sennacherib who proclaimed himself king after conquering Babylon. (Isaiah 14:4). Though he is mighty now and able to inflict suffering and turmoil on his subjects (vs. 3), he shall be brought down to the grave and mocked (vss. 9-11). Although the passage refers to the king of Babylon, the church has also seen in the following verses the fall of Lucifer. Lucifer is Latin for “morning star” (vs. 12). Lucifer is the symbolical representation of the king of Babylon in his pride, splendor, and fall. Satan is the head of this present world system and the invisible power behind the successive world rulers of Tyre, Babylon, Persia, Greece and Rome.
This far-reaching passage goes beyond human history and marks the beginning of sin in the universe and the fall of Satan. The rule of Satan is not confined to his own person. All those who are dead in their trespasses and sins follow “the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient” (Ephesians 2:2). Satan operates his kingdom through a hierarchy of evil spirits and unregenerate people. Just like the rule of God is not confined to His own person. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12). As long as Jesus remained in earth, His kingdom rule was confined to himself. After being glorified, the Holy Spirit is present in every believer. They will do greater things, because the presence of Christ is manifested all over the world in the lives of believers. God rules His kingdom through ministering angels and through the lives of His children who are filled (controlled) by the Holy Spirit.
Caught up with his own beauty, Lucifer challenged the throne of God. He expressed his pride by saying five times “I will.” But he was only a light bearer and not the source of light. As a created being, Satan could only reflect the glory of God. His pride and rebellion resulted in his expulsion from heaven. Now he is totally devoid of light. Satan is not some shady character who is naughty at times. He is the epitome of evil, the total absence of anything good. In contrast, “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). At one time we were darkened in our understanding and separated from the life of God (Ephesians 4:18). Then came Jesus. “In him was life, and that life was the light of men” (John 1:4). “For you were once darkness, but now you are the light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)” (Ephesians 5:8-9).
Dr. Neil
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