The imposter

"... while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived." 2 Timothy 3.13

Yesterday I completed 'Rory's Alternative MacNab' by ascending Clach Glas in the company of Archie MacCalman, who led the climb. We made our way up B gully, realised our mistake, recovered to A gully at the top of which we traversed along the mountain's rugged face, until we emerged onto the ridge. Turing around, we were confronted by The Imposter, that toblerone-shaped peak which earns Clach Glas its soubriquet 'The Matterhorn of Skye'.

The fact that you don't see it until the last minute doubtless explains the original nickname, Imposter. It serves well as a reference to the far more sinister figure of the devil - and his angels - referred to by Saint Paul in his 2nd letter to Timothy. They are imposters because they interfere where we don't necessarily expect and thereby often catch us off-guard - perhaps through temptation when we are at a low ebb, or goading us into ill-spoken words when we are tired.

Jesus named the devil, taught us not to deny or underestimate him, while demonstrating how he was most effectively kept at bay through prayer and the deft application of scripture. He then proceeded to defeat him on the cross. According to Revelation, Satan will be done away with completely at the Final Judgment when Jesus returns. Until then he may be down but he is not out. Indeed, in his 1st letter, Saint Peter warns us that he prowls around like a roaring lion. So be on your guard!