Like a skillful fisherman or hunter, the devil always tailors his bait to suit whomsoever he wishes to entrap, and he has succeeded with everyone except with Job and Jesus. Recall that at the temptation of Jesus, the devil re-stated the fact that the world has been delivered unto him and he uses its resources to promote his kingdom against God’s. The Bible says in Luke 4:6:
“And the devil said unto him, ‘All this power will I give you and the glory of them; for that is delivered unto me, and to whomsoever, I will I give it.’” Luke 4:6.
He uses different types of baits and targets the vulnerabilities of each potential victim he attempts to entrap. For some, he uses money, others pleasure and sensuality, and yet others’ pride, fame, and honor. You can probably identify individuals who have been entrapped by one or more of these baits at various times. Politicians caught embezzling, ‘men of God’ eloping with their beautiful secretaries, professors trading marks for sexual favors, etc. are examples.
Some of the tricks the devil used so effectively in the Bible, versions of which he still uses today include the following: an apple for Eve, a grape for Noah, two talents of silver and two changes of garments for Gehazi, a Bathsheba for David, a ship going to Tarshish for Jonah and a bag for Judas. He is sure to use the right bait at the right time at the right place for anyone who as much as turns aside to take a glance at him. So, run, Christian brethren run because the devil has free reign in this world.
Not only does the devil tailor the bait to suit his victim, but he also targets different locations, situations, and institutions. He takes the appropriate bait to businesses, families, schools and colleges, government institutions, and churches, yes! churches and even nations so they can inflame conflicts and start wars between peoples and nations.
Therefore, Christian, beware! Watch, and pray that you enter not into temptation. You have been warned not to be ignorant of his devices. 2 Cor. 2:11. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Remember, however, that you can only resist him in the power of God’s might. (Eph. 6:10) Do not deceive yourself, thinking that you can resist him on your own. You are no match for the devil.
May you not become a victim of the devil’s entrapment in Jesus’ name. Amen.