APRIL 4, 2012
Hawks And Lions
Read: 1 Peter 5:5-11
The devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. —1 Peter 5:8
One morning, I watched a rabbit nibble grass in my backyard.
He was on the small side, with brown flecked fur and a
cotton-puff tail. Suddenly, a hawk sliced through the air as
fast and precise as lightning. With talons outstretched, he
snatched for his prey. But the rabbit recognized the approaching
danger and sped to safety, just inches ahead of the hawk.
Like the rabbit that spotted its predator and scurried away,
we as Christians need to be watchful so that we can evade
our enemy. “The devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking
whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Satan wants to devour
us by winning us over to his ways; he does this by toying with
the truth (John 8:44) and trying to deceive us (Gen. 3:1).
The devil’s schemes reflect his dishonest nature, and his tricks
are meant to catch us off guard. In response, Christians should
be alert and clear-headed (1 Peter 5:8). Living in this state of
active readiness helps us discern false teaching (1 John 4:1-3; 2
John 1:7-11) and overcome temptation (Matt. 26:41).
Today, watch out for your spiritual predator. What kind of lies
is he whispering? How is he tempting you? Resist him, and he
will flee (James 4:7).
The devil is cunning, deceptive, and sly;
He’s clever; he tricks us to swallow his lie.
But his crafty methods we’re sure to discern
If we make God’s warnings our daily concern. —D. De Haan
The first step on the way to victory is to recognize the enemy.
Source: Our Daily Bread 2012
