“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:8, New King James Version).
The roar of the lion began in the early morning hours, long before daybreak. There was no mistaking the sound. Somewhere nearby the powerful beast was on the prowl. His mighty roar can be heard for up to five miles so hopefully he wasn’t that close to our camp. It also helped my nerves to know we were protected by a fence (although preferred not to test its efficacy). Lions are meat-eating predators, and he was no doubt stalking his next meal. Thankfully, my friends and I weren’t on the menu that morning.
There is another predator also on the prowl, but this one would gladly devour me—and you—if possible. I Peter 5:8 compares Satan to a hungry lion seeking its prey and warns us to be sober and vigilant. The best way to be on guard is to know the traits of our enemy.
He is a liar. John 8:44 warns that he is the father of lies and there is no truth in him. In other words, no matter how smooth his speech, don’t fall for it.
He is a murder. John 8:44 also says he was a murderer from the beginning. This isn’t just a little game he is playing; he means business. John 10:10 tells us his desire is to kill, steal, and destroy.
He is subtle. He’s cunning and intelligent. II Corinthians 11:3 warns, “But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (ESV).
He disguises himself as light. He makes himself and his emissaries appear as something good and righteous. “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works” (II Corinthians 11:13-15, ESV).
Just because we hear the lion’s roar doesn’t mean we’ve lost the battle.
James 4:7 says, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” God has given us powerful tools to use in our battle with the enemy of our souls. We must be vigilant but not fearful. God gives us the power to overcome.
“Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:16-18, NKJV).
Remember! The enemy does not win. (Read I John 3:8; Hebrews 2:14; Revelation 20:10.)
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to be vigilant each day so I will not be deceived by the craftiness of the devil. I know that through prayer and Your Word, You have equipped me to win. You give me strength and allow me to face the enemy without fear. Thank You for the victory.
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