JANUARY 31, 1 Peter 5:8

The National Geographic Channel often airs television programmes featuring documentaries about nature. It is amazing how these wildlife journalists are able to capture those amazing moments – whether they be of marine life, or birds of the air, or animals in the jungles or the plains of Africa. In the animal world, the weak suffer. At the apex of the food chain, carnivores reign, and none more firmly than the lion, the king of animals.

Weighing an average of 400 pounds, the adult male lion is one of the most powerful animals. Its sense of smell is acute, its brown sandy body camouflages well in most terrain, and its speed is one of the lion’s greatest assets. Of course, the lion’s roar is magnificent to television viewers, but frightening to its prey.

The Bible describes our most powerful spiritual opponent as the most powerful animal – the lion. Not only is he depicted as a lion, but he is also a roaring lion, prowling and hungry as he is about to devour.

If we were to go on a safari to see lions in action, we would take extreme safety precautions so as not to end up being lunch for the lions! Likewise in our spiritual life, we have to take extreme care. We know the ability of Satan to camouflage and confuse, lie in wait and pounce on us in the most unexpected of times. On our own, we can do nothing against him. It is only in the finished work of Jesus that we can claim victory against him. So, we must go to Jesus whenever we feel tempted by Satan.

Thought: Do not be spiritual lunch for the roaring lion!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that I face a powerful enemy. But thank You even more for I have a Saviour who is much more powerful than the roaring lion! Please help me to keep close to You so that I will be protected from the evil one. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.