The Role of the Master Puppeteer: The Crooked Serpent Also Known as the Devil
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In God’s plan, Satan’s nature and his role are difficult for humans to fully understand. The Devil, often referred to as Satan, is described throughout the 
Bible as the ultimate symbol of deception, chaos, and opposition to God. “Though Satan is powerful in manipulation, his control is limited and operates within the boundaries of God’s sovereign will. This article explores Satan’s role as a ‘master puppeteer,’ his inevitable defeat, and how he fits into God’s grand design for redemption.
Satan’s title as a “master puppeteer” reflects his ability to manipulate, tempt, and influence individuals toward sin. Satan’s influence extends across history through deception and false gods, using idols to lure people away from worshipping God. Every false god in history is seen as part of Satan’s strategy, using different forms to receive worship and lead humanity astray. The devil still rules over principalities and powers and influences human systems. There have been times throughout history where the person on the throne may have held the position of king or ruler, but the actual one wielding the power was the person behind them, who was pulling the strings. Satan used the power of lies and flattery to assume control on Earth and influenced the hearts of men, pushing them to rebel against God. With a third of the angels and dominion over Earth, Satan attempted to expand his influence to heaven itself, ultimately leading to war.
In the Bible, the ancient city of Tyre and its leader serve as examples of Satan as the hidden, manipulative power behind earthly rulers. The biblical city of Tyre (also Tyrus) was powerful, and the Prince of Tyre wielded great influence. But there was a ‘king’ behind him—an allusion to Satan’s role as a hidden power, using others to accomplish his will. The devil’s scheme to subjugate mankind and gain power in heaven began with a lie, a clever lie wrapped in truth. His deceitful tactics in the Garden of Eden successfully caused Adam and Eve to obey him rather than God, thereby shifting dominion over the earth to himself. He manipulates circumstances, appealing to human pride and weaknesses, just as he did with Eve in Eden. In 1 Peter 5:8 (KJV), believers are warned: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”
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The Role of the “Master Puppeteer” – The crooked serpent AKA the Devil
The imagery of the Devil as a “crooked serpent” can be seen in the Bible. Isaiah 27:1 (KJV) states, “In that day the Lord with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.” The crooked serpent symbolises Satan, representing the source of disorder and chaos, an adversary twisting God’s truth into lies.
He first earned this title in the Garden of Eden when the serpent deceived Eve (Genesis 3:1-5, KJV). The serpent’s ‘crookedness’ symbolises Satan’s twisted nature, always seeking to distort God’s perfect creation. His intention is to undermine God’s order and lead humanity astray from the truth. This act of deception sets the stage for Satan’s role as the great manipulator and liar, distorting what is good and true.
Satan tirelessly seeks to control the hearts and minds of individuals through temptation, lies, and accusations. However, the wonderful news is that Satan’s power is limited. In Job 1:12 (KJV), God gives Satan permission to test Job, saying: “Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand.” This demonstrates that Satan’s reach is always limited by God’s will. He may influence and tempt, but he cannot act outside of God’s sovereignty.
The Master Puppeteer is Not Master Over God’s Sovereignty
God is sovereign in his power and decisions. This means that Satan, despite his efforts, can only act within the limits that God allows. James 4:7 (KJV) provides a crucial reminder: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Satan’s influence is significant, but it can be resisted through faith and submission to God. His power is not absolute; God’s authority always prevails.
Satan, while acting as a manipulative force in the world, is always subject to God’s overarching purpose. His schemes, no matter how cunning, cannot thwart the ultimate plan of God. Satan’s power, though real and destructive, is subordinate to the sovereignty of God, and his influence can be countered by those who stand firm in faith.
Master Puppeteer’s Defeat Through Christ
Satan’s temptation of Adam and Eve in the Garden led to the fall of humanity, which set the stage for the need of a Saviour—Jesus Christ. Satan’s defeat was secured through Christ’s death and resurrection for believers. Colossians 2:15 (KJV) says: “And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” Through Christ’s victory on the cross, the powers of darkness were disarmed and exposed. Satan’s actions, however evil, are used by God to fulfill His ultimate purpose. Romans 8:28 (KJV) states: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Satan’s attempts to deceive and destroy are always under God’s control. Despite Satan’s evil actions, God uses them to fulfil His ultimate purpose.
The finality of Satan’s defeat is further emphasised in Revelation 20:10 (KJV): “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” Satan’s power is temporary, and his ultimate destiny is one of eternal judgment.
Conclusion
In summary, The Devil, as the “crooked serpent,” symbolises deception, chaos, and rebellion against God. Yet, as the “master puppeteer,” his manipulative power is always constrained by God’s sovereign control. While Satan is influential, his power is limited and bound by God’s sovereignty. His defeat was assured through Christ’s victory on the cross, and even his wicked schemes ultimately serve to fulfill God’s redemptive purposes. Christians can take comfort in the knowledge that Satan’s power is temporary, and his final judgment is inevitable.
As we navigate the complexities of life, let us remember the ultimate truth of God’s sovereignty over all creation, including the influence of the “master puppeteer,” Satan. Reflect on your own heart and mind—are there areas where you may be allowing deception or temptation to take root? Embrace the assurance that, through Jesus Christ, we have the power to resist these influences and stand firm in our faith. Let this understanding empower you to seek God daily, aligning your thoughts and actions with His truth, and trusting in His redemptive plan. Remember, though the battle may be fierce, the victory has already been won, and we are called to live in that victory. Amen.
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