HAWKS AND LIONS

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 (Genesis 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 7-11) and overcome temptation (Matthew 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). -Jennifer Benson Schuldt

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
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The first step on the way to victory
is to recognize the enemy.

INSIGHT
In verses 6-7, we read a pair of commands that can be very challenging.  The first is to humble ourselves before God.  Our human tendency toward self-promotion bristles at such an idea, and yet the heart of humility before God is vital.  The second command is to abandon our cares and concerns to Him.  Why should we do this?  God is not only the all-powerful Creator, He is also the God of infinite love and mercy.  Because of this, we can confidently trust ourselves to the God who loves us and cares deeply for us.

Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace