(Continued)
Although the names of the two magicians are not mentioned here, they are recorded in the New Testament. God took note of their opposition to His servants and their similarity to those who, in this age, exercise their charms and power to the harm of His people. “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves... unholy... lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof... ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth; men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.” Tim. 3:1-8.
We are thus warned that there exist today many a “Jannes and Jambres,” evil men (and women, too) used by Satan to counterfeit the holy truth, men who have never come to the knowledge of the truth and yet are teachers of others. These men promise liberty, but are themselves the servants of corruption, who have forsaken the right way. The behavior of the two magicians is manifest in those who now promote false doctrine and a careful weighing of their teachings is a reminder that Satan works more energetically than ever to oppose the furtherance of the truth. Let the testimony of the true gospel be proclaimed in any place and soon Satan will produce an imitation which, to the unwary, will appear as true and powerful as that which is real.
Portions of the Bible may be read, accepted customs and forms carefully followed, lovely hymns employed and eloquent prayers offered.
With Satan thus trying to deceive through such teachers it will only be through the light of God’s Word that one who is searching for the truth can properly distinguish what is real and what is imitation. The Lord Himself has said: “He that is not with Me is against Me: and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth.” Luke 11:2323He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. (Luke 11:23). Jannes and Jambres remind us that the greatest opposition to God’s testimony today is found in those “having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” It is Satan’s special instrument to hide the true character of his workers under a “form of godliness,” himself often appearing “as an angel of light.” The form is easy to achieve and display, but the power will only show itself if it is real.
In three things only were the magicians able to imitate Moses and Aaron. They turned their rods into serpents, the water into blood; and they brought forth frogs. These three imitations, originating in the power of Satan, speak of him as the serpent, death and uncleanness, all closely allied with the power behind the counterfeits. All who imitate the truth of God are similarly unable to show more than their evil master can initiate. The blessed expects of divine life, love and truth they can never produce.
May each one carefully weigh his own testimony as well as every voice to which he gives heed, for we are indeed in a day of declension and apostasy. In many places “an uncertain sound” goes forth and it is well to avoid such. “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith.” 2 Corinthians 13:55Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? (2 Corinthians 13:5).
ML 11/03/1968