masquerade masks

And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. II Corinthians 11:14 (NIV)

Masquerade by Andrew Lloyd Webber

Masquerade!
Paper faces on parade . . .
Masquerade!
Hide your face,

so the world will

never find you!

Masquerade!

Every face a different shade . . .

Masquerade!

Look around –

there’s another

mask behind you!

Read more: The Phantom Of The Opera (Original London Cast) – Masquerade Lyrics | MetroLyrics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiwWQlRPMaY

Masquerade Instrumental

(listen for the changes in mood)

Costumes, pretending, assuming roles, dress-up, acting. As this word masquerade leapt off the page of Scripture, I was reminded of the Broadway play Phantom of the Opera’s song titled Masquerade. This play has run non-stop on Broadway for thirty years!!!! It has been seen by millions in over 13,000 performances. Why??? It is the tale of our lives: Hiding our real selves and robbing the world of the beauty within us. The new social buzz is all about authenticity and “being yourself” and “being real.” The struggle is very real. The desire to be all God uniquely created us to be and yet conform to social norms. What child has not pretended to be a cowboy, Indian, rock star, ballerina, star football player, ninja, princess, bride, and a myriad of other identities we consider successful. When your doorbell rings tonight, they will be on either adorable or frightful display.

(pictures of Annie and Karly dressed up)

The enemy of our soul is a master masquerader. The Greek word for masquerade is metaschemetizo from meta and schematizo meaning “to give certain form to something.” Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance defines it as “I change the outward appearance (form of presentation) of something, transfigure, disguise.” It is only the outward appearance that is changed and not the heart. The emphasis is on “I.” Satan’s multiple faces are revealed in Scripture. His original purpose was archangel, Lucifer, leader of worship before the throne of God but pride overtook him. (Ezekiel 28:23) He, Satan, was a beautiful (?) serpent in the Garden (Genesis 3), he is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, (Matthew 7:15) he comes disguised as an angel of light, (II Corinthians 11:14) pretends to be a servant of righteousness, (II Corinthians 11:15) and the “essence of goodness.” But the truth is this: “He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” John 8:44 Satan will gladly use us for his agenda, especially against those closest to us. (Matthew 16:23)

Scripture goes to great lengths to WARN us of the “wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11) and that our battle is not with people but this adversary (Ephesians 6:12). God seeks to unmask this marauder who comes only to “steal, kill, and destroy.” (John 10:10) The Word gives very clear direction if we will heed: “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world,” I John 4:1 (KJV) and “be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” (I Peter 5:8) What often begins as frivolity and fun turns into frightening and danger filled just as the music of Masquerade portrays.

This masquerading one comes enticing us with the “lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (The Preacher says all sin falls into one of these three categories). (I John 2:16) He tempts us not with evil but with good or at least the appearance of good. One of the most dangerous statements he has introduced into our culture is “You can do anything you set your mind too.” I bought into this, I preached it to my kids. NOWHERE in this statement is God and HIs endowment of our abilities, His plan for our life, or the fact He often calls us to do what we can NOT do in our own strength and ability taken into consideration. This is a prideful, arrogant, and rebellious statement and our culture is falling because of it. What we should say is “with God all things are possible,” (Matthew 19:26) and “God willing.” (James 4:15). No masks are required!

So on this All Saints Eve may we enjoy the fun but use the opportunity to share this truth. God wants us to be real before Him. Honest, open, authentic. This can be ugly. He takes the broken and ugly and transforms it into beautiful and it is not a “paper face on parade.” You will at long last no longer be hiding from the world and God.

Broken into Beautiful by Gwen Smith and sung by Carolyn Pankalla