LIKE A LION
Richard Harris
Today's Scripture: “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8b, ESV
Theme: The environment in this broken world is not innocent or neutral. The things available for viewing are often meant to devour our souls.
DO NOT FIGHT EVIL WITH EVIL
What is this Christianity all about? If we remain good, is that good enough to keep the devil at bay? If something bad happens, due to a wrong choice or action, will God step in to right that wrong for us? If we actively avoid the devil's ways, will evil things be avoided? Did you answer “Yes” to any – or all – of the above three questions? Well ... The answers are all unclear. God isn’t obligated to act on our behalf but sometimes he does. Being a Christian is not just about being a good person. We have all sinned at some level being human and not the one perfect human, Jesus.
CHOOSING GOOD
People think there are many different levels of good and bad. Yet, God sent Jesus Christ, so that sinners can become justified through His body and blood. We are only good because we trust in Jesus Christ to cover our deficit. He was sacrificed for our sins. He is the standard of righteousness. Choosing goodness is not automatic or forced. It is the decision to trust Jesus’ way.
Satan will always try to prey on our real fears. He knows that God doesn't usually interfere with the consequences of our choices. If God were to step in, every time we fell towards the devil’s distractions, that would interfere with our ability to choose. God gives us the freedom, power, love and discipline necessary to embrace His life-saving truth. When we choose God over all other things, evil will never prevail (Psalms 21:11).
Evil things, mediocre things, distracting things and less good things are available to do and to watch - all the time. The devil attacks from many fronts. He tries to distract us from God. The world is broken, the things available to view and entertain are distracting. The opportunities for entertainment aren’t neutral, they are often predatory. He brings temptations of the flesh, distracts us from the Holy Spirit’s voice, promotes knowledge over wisdom, baits us with worthless pursuits, pulls us further into the darkness of fears, doubts, and jealousy. Tiredness and carelessness may cause us to lower our guard. Never stop communicating with and listening for God. Keep vigilant. Keep the prayers going.
Today's opening scripture tells us “the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8b, ESV). The word “like” is a simile. The verse implies that although the devil is “like” a lion, he is not a lion. Jesus is the “Lion of Judah” (Revelation 5:5). The true Lion; not “like” a lion. “The devil is seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8b, ESV). Seeking is not yet finding. We are not found or devoured yet! He will do everything he can to prey upon our weaknesses. In this broken world, make the decision focus on and choose true goodness, Jesus. Keep God’s truths in your heart and mind. Do not let evil prevail. Keep the prayers going.
Make It Personal: What helps you choose good opportunities? In what way can you become distracted or pulled in the wrong direction? What might you do this week to choose Jesus instead of any lesser thing?
Pray: Almighty and everlasting Father. Although our bodies are weak, we please ask you to help us rely on Your Spiritual ways to strengthen us daily. Strengthen our determination against the evils of this world, so that we may prevail against all the bad, thus finding the good. Help us expose the devil for who he really is. The goodness of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus has given us this doorway to eternal Good. For that Lord, we thank you in the name of Your righteous Son; Jesus. Amen
Read: Psalms 21:11; Hebrews 2:14; Ephesians 5:11; 2 Peter 3:13-17; Proverbs 4:14-19; Revelations 5:5
Weekly Memory Verse: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31, ESV