Repellent / Protection

In North Dakota and, perhaps here in Oregon, there is a ritual that takes place during late spring and summer months. When the sun sets, you pick up everything and go inside because the mosquito            brigade is about to descend upon you with a vengeance; unless you happen to have a screened-in porch or want to be slathered or sprayed with insect repellent, or, you have MANY tiki torches with            citronella oil placed strategically around your sitting area, you’re doomed to spend beautiful evenings  indoors.

   Tiki torches are still being used today for setting an intimate atmosphere for conversation and relaxing – which is surprising since there are so many alternatives available: bulbs that mimic real flames, solar lights of varying wattage and changing colors. But there’s something about a dancing flame that makes a tiki torch desirable.

   There is more to a tiki torch than mere ambiance. While enjoying the outdoors on a patio or deck, tiki torches provide a means for protection. I don’t mean waving it at an unwanted animal (or guest, or family member?); rather, for protection from those nasty, blood-sucking mosquitoes.

    According to entomological experts and the National Pesticide Information Center, citronella works to repel pests through its unique chemical composition and odor. The essential oil derived from citronella grass contains several compounds that block these receptors, so the affected mosquito can’t detect these host attractants. Citronella’s repellency power is related to its insecticidal character, meaning it is an effective repellent against insects precisely because it is an essential oil. Although mosquitoes also use heat receptors to locate their host, the  citronella makes it difficult for them to zero in.

   When you think about it, Jesus is like citronella to Satan. His death on the cross was His ultimate gift of love; “He gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2). Satan cannot handle it. Jesus’ sacrificial fragrance is repulsive to him, and that’s what infuriates him. He can’t get at our blood (lives) because he can’t get close enough.

   When he thinks he has a clear shot at us, Jesus shows up and His fragrance confuses him. Satan is not sure how or when to strike. He wants our blood and will do anything possible to get it, but he has to move away because of Jesus’ fragrance.

   In addition, we have the Light of Truth. Jesus’ presence brings comfort into the turmoil of our personal lives and world around us. The darkness need not cause us anxiety and fear for Jesus permeates every nook and cranny in and around us. He is the Light that illumines our lives with hope and peace. We are drawn toward His light because He exposes Satan for what he is: a deadly blood-sucking enemy, and we flee from  Satan into Jesus’ shelter and safety.

   When we walk with Jesus, Satan’s eyes get messed up because Jesus’ light is too bright for him to see through. His aim gets distorted, and he has a hard time getting to us.

   Think about this “Satan Repellent” God has provided for our use. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). We resist (repel) Satan when we submit our entire selves to God, trust in Jesus to shine His light of salvation into our hearts and cling to Him as the One who gave His life as a fragrant sacrifice on our behalf.

   Jesus will send that blood-sucking “mosquito” away. And you’ll understand that next to Jesus, Satan is a small, irritating insect at best.

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Pastor Fred Westerhold