John 8:31-32 – “If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Clive Staples (C.S.) Lewis, was a British writer and lay theologian. He is considered by many as one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers of his day. In 1942 he wrote The Screwtape Letters, a Christian apologetic novel, dedicated to J.R.R. Tolkien. It is a fictional satire written in the form of a series of letters from a senior demon known as Screwtape to his nephew Wormwood.
In it, Screwtape gives Wormwood detailed advice on how to undermine God’s words, where selfish gain and power are seen as the only good, and neither demon can comprehend God’s love for man or acknowledge human virtue where it exists.
A “dialogue” ascribed to this novel and writer C.S. Lewis is appearing on social media—that is a misattribution.
Whoever wrote it, and it appears to be clearly designed for 2020 and not 1942, presenting itself as a dialogue between Satan and Jesus, it nevertheless challenges one’s thinking. Here it is:
Satan: “I will cause anxiety, fear, and panic. I will shut down businesses, schools, places of worship, and sports events. I will cause cosmic turmoil.”
Jesus: “I will bring together neighbors, restore the family unit; I will bring dinner back to the kitchen table. I will help people slow down in their lives and appreciate what really matters. I will teach my children to rely on me and not the world. I will teach my children to trust me, and not their money and material treasures.”
Pray With Us
Heavenly Father, the words of the unknown author do spur my thinking, helping me to realize that out of every evil intent, you, Lord, can bring good. It reminds me of the words Joseph said to his brothers when they came to Egypt, recalling his being sold into slavery, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today” (Genesis 50:20). I remember also your promise in Psalm 30:5 that says, “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Help me keep my eyes fixed on You and Your promises, O God, confident that this time of trouble will cease, and You will be glorified. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
