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| Volume 25 Number 5 May 2023 |
Page 8 |
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| Volume 25 Number 5 May 2023 |
Page 8 |
Mark McWhorter
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. (1 Peter 5:8-9 NKJV)
A lion’s roar can be heard over a distance of nearly five miles. The roar is so loud that if you were standing next to the lion, your whole body would vibrate.
The lion roars for several reasons. He roars to create fear in those he is hunting. He hopes that the fear will cause the hunted to stand still. This makes it easier for him to find the animal and to kill it.
The lion roars to gather his family. Other lions hear the roar and go toward the roaring. By working together, they can capture bigger animals.
The lion roars to claim his territory. The roar lets others know that if they remain there they could die.
The lion roars to let competitors know of his presence. The loud roar is intended to intimidate those who might be interested in the same prey.
All of the above apply to Satan and our relationship with him. He wants us to be scared when he roars. He wants us to become inactive in our Bible study, prayer life and works so that he can capture us and destroy us. He roars so that he can attract those who love sin. He uses those people to lead us away from God. He roars to let us know he claims a territory. When we see sinful situations, we should get away from them rather than remain. If we remain, we risk being destroyed. Satan also roars to intimidate us from evangelism. He wants all the prey. He does not want us to convert any to Christ.
Study your Bible. Stay true to God. Neither let Satan, the roaring lion, cause you fear nor intimidate you. Do not stay close to sinful situations. Do not let Satan destroy you. If any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.
