God and the Devil in the Story of Creation
Who has never heard of God and the devil? Since the creation of the universe, God has revealed Himself as the sovereign Creator. In the book of Genesis, we see an organized God who, day by day, forms what we now know as the universe and everything in it. However, the figure of Lucifer emerges—a cherub created by God who, out of pride, desired to be worshiped as God Himself and was cast out of heaven. This study invites us to reflect on a fundamental question: whom do we choose to serve?
Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Then the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the Lord to serve other gods!” (Joshua 24:14-16, NIV)
Who is God?
God is the Creator and ruler of all that exists in the universe. He was not created but has existed before the foundation of the world, manifesting as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In every step of creation, God blessed His work, demonstrating His love and perfection.
He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. (Deuteronomy 32:4, NIV)
Who is the Devil?
Known as the devil, Lucifer was created by God as a powerful and beautiful cherub, adorned with light and splendor. His garments were decorated with precious stones, and he had access to the holy mountain of God.
You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: carnelian, chrysolite and emerald, topaz, onyx and jasper, lapis lazuli, turquoise and beryl. Your settings and mountings were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared. You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. (Ezekiel 28:13-14, NIV)
However, Lucifer desired to be greater than God, plotting in his heart to usurp His authority. This pride led him to instigate a rebellion, rallying a third of the angels in heaven, resulting in his banishment to hell.
How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit. (Isaiah 14:12-15, NIV)
How Does God Enter Human Life?
God seeks an intimate relationship with humanity. He knocks at the door of the heart, waiting for an invitation to enter and establish fellowship.
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. (Revelation 3:20, NIV)
God presents Himself as a friend who desires to share moments of closeness, offering peace and purpose to those who welcome Him.
How Does the Devil Enter Human Life?
The devil, in contrast, seeks to exploit human vulnerability. He enters where he finds a spiritual void, bringing destructive influences.
When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, “I will return to the house I left.” When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation. (Matthew 12:43-45, NIV)
The Fundamental Choice: God or the Devil?
Human life boils down to a single choice: to serve God or the devil. Obeying God means following His Word and living in commitment to His will. Conversely, living without this commitment, driven by carnal desires and pleasures, equates to serving the devil.
God’s Purpose
God desires the salvation of all, even after humanity’s fall in the Garden of Eden. He takes no pleasure in condemnation but seeks to redeem every person.
In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. (Matthew 18:14, NIV)
The Devil’s Purpose
The devil, on the other hand, aims to lead people to eternal destruction. He acts as a relentless adversary, seeking to draw people away from God’s presence.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8, NIV)
Then he will say to those on his left, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” (Matthew 25:41, NIV)
God’s Promise versus the Devil’s Deception
God promises eternal life in a place of peace and joy, where the old things will pass away. The devil, however, offers a false, fleeting happiness based on the pleasures of the flesh, leading to an eternity of suffering where “the fire never goes out and the worm never dies.”
A Call to Decision
Joshua challenged the people to choose whom they would serve, declaring that he and his household would serve the Lord. Today, this same challenge resonates with us. Whom do you choose to serve? May your decision be for God, living in obedience to His Word and experiencing the true peace only He provides.
