On the Prowl
1 Peter 5:5-8
I love the imagery in this passage. If you’ve ever watched the discovery channel you’ve probably witnessed the depiction of a gazelle grazing in the field. A cool breeze tussles the grass and ripples the water. Suddenly, coming into focus, a lioness patiently and quietly watching, waiting for the perfect time to strike. The crazy part is that the gazelle, sensing danger, will look up from time to time and survey the grounds. Not seeing the predator, he will ignore his instincts and continue to graze. Moments later, he is devoured.
1 Peter 5:5-8
I love the imagery in this passage. If you’ve ever watched the discovery channel you’ve probably witnessed the depiction of a gazelle grazing in the field. A cool breeze tussles the grass and ripples the water. Suddenly, coming into focus, a lioness patiently and quietly watching, waiting for the perfect time to strike. The crazy part is that the gazelle, sensing danger, will look up from time to time and survey the grounds. Not seeing the predator, he will ignore his instincts and continue to graze. Moments later, he is devoured.
This scenario is what pops in my mind, every time I read this passage in 1 Peter. Satan patiently waiting and watching-camouflaged by half-truths. Armed with temptations devised to lead his prey away from safety and into his trap.
As bystanders, we clearly see the danger and impending doom and maybe even wonder how the prey can be so blind to it. Yet when it’s our lives and our danger, we continually shake off the internal warnings (from the Holy Spirit) and discount the urgings of others.
Encapsulating this warning, Peter provides pertinent wisdom to avoid becoming a victim:
- Be submissive to those who are older~
I know, I don’t like to be told what to do either; however, there is immeasurable value when you can glean from the wisdom of godly people.
- Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time~
Proverbs 16:18 Pride is satan’s favorite tool. Pride can manifest itself in so many ways; often before we even know we are engaged in it. The only way to overcome pride is to fully submit to God on a daily basis. Paul wrote about this very subject several time. He stated that he had the most to boast about in his flesh from his former way of life. But now, he knows it is better to boast in the Lord. How does he overcome pride? He dies daily-fully submitting to God and God’s calling on his life.
- Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you~
When we worry or fret over something…anything, we open ourselves up to satan’s lies. It weakens our mind and expose our heart to deception and sin. God can and wants to take care of us-His children. God gives us wisdom when we ask, He sees and knows everything and He warns us of danger and provides a way to escape.
1 Corinthians 10:13
- Be self-controlled and alert~
Satan isn’t called the master deceiver for nothing. He knows how to manipulate and invoke our minds to rationalize and then embark on what we know is not God’s best for us. The best and only way to stay self-controlled and alert is to stay focused on God and seek His kingdom above all. When we get distracted by what we want or what we can accomplish outside of God (even if it is “for Him”) our senses are dulled and we fall prey.
- Resist him (satan), standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
Knowing your Bible and applying its Truth is the best way to combat and resist satan. It is not enough to just know verses, even satan knows the Bible and he is good at taking truth out of context to serve his purpose.
2 Timothy 2:15
Job 28:28
Be on guard Christians! Look out for one another. Take instruction from brothers and sisters in the faith who are looking out for you. Be involved in a body of believers who are strong in the Word and teach Truth. Your enemy the devil is on the prowl.
Ephesians 6:10
