Walketh About as a Roaring Lion

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

Now take a minute to think about a roaring lion. I must admit that they are beautiful creatures, as long as they remain at a distance. I sure would ask a few questions about safety if I ever were able to go on an African safari – like, how close do we get to lions and tigers?

While visiting the zoo, I have had the opportunity to see a lion “devour” its lunch and it’s not a pretty site. Those strong claws, jaws and teeth literally rip the meat to pieces and then devour it quickly. I have never seen a man attacked by a lion, but I must imagine that the lion shows no mercy to its intended victim as it mauls him.

Maul – what a terrible word. But that is the picture Peter is painting as he describes how Satan attacks us in our Christian lives. I had a dear friend, now in heaven, who used to say that if we REALLY believed that Satan was roaring after us to literally devour us we would RUN FOR OUR LIVES! Not sort of skirt around the edges of an issue, a sin, a relationship requiring God’s working. Not skirting — but RUNNING as if our very life depended on it. It does.

Put into that context, my failure to deal with something in my life, or allowing Satan to get even a tiny step into my life, sets the stage for him to devour my spiritual life, my growth in God’s Word, my fellowship with God – everything. Because once he gets a grasp on you – even a little grasp – you’re done for.

So as you think of Satan as a “roaring lion,” make sure you are running from him and his snares as fast as you can right into the arms of the only One who can save us and keep us from being devoured.

Lord Jesus, thank you that You alone can save and protect me – us – from what Satan would try to do to us every day of our lives. Thank you for being our faithful source of salvation and protection.

Lynn Randall

Lynn Randall is the Director of Human Resources at America’s Keswick. She is active in her church and is a gifted planner and organizer. She has a real heart for people as evidenced by her care, concern and practical encouragement.