Many years ago late in the evening in western Uganda, we came upon a mother lion with three cubs. Unfortunately she was on the other side of the road from her cubs. As we slowly moved ahead we were between her and her little ones. With a roar and huge teeth she attacked the front tire. I was sure she was going to puncture it and leave us in a precarious situation. Fortunately that did not happen and we were able to move on.
This afternoon here in New England, we had a new but similar adventure. A large rat was positioned in the center of a two lane street. As we slowly moved past, it bared its ugly teeth and leaped at the car. Amazing! I have never before seen anything like that. However, I am thinking of revising I Peter 5:8. “Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” I think it should read “the devil prowls around like a snarling rat.” The lioness was far too beautiful to be compared to the devil and she was doing her motherly duty. The rat was being just plain mean and nasty as can be.
Whatever, the truth of the text is important to remember. How often do we play with sinful behavior thinking we are very smart and know how to navigate lest there be any negative results. That is so egotistical and ignorant. We have lived a few decades. The devil has lived thousands of years. Do we really think we are a match for his treachery? However, the good news is though we might have to suffer the natural consequences of our foolishness, Jesus will still and always forgive us.
Written by Roger Bothwell on August 27, 2012
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org