LIKE A ROARING LION

One night, after the service, we drank tea in the hall as usual.

This usually gives one the opportunity of meeting new people, which I enjoy. I joined a table where there were people I have not met before; we introduced ourselves and enjoyed conversing around the table.

I looked at one of the men and thought that he reminded me very much of someone who had often appeared on television – even his voice sounded similar. I was going to pass some remark about it but thought better of it. Later a friend came to our table to say “Hi” and whilst standing beside the chair of this particular gentleman, he said something to the effect; “ So you have met our TV personality”. I realised then that I had in fact been nearer the truth than I thought.

What struck me was that in real life, this person was not as “dramatic” or “distinctive” looking as when viewed under the very bright lights of a television set, and in Technicolor, having been “touched up” by the make-up artists. Also, he seemed smaller in stature than I expected from what I saw on TV, but of course, also more down to earth, more natural, and more human.

I recalled that this was in fact also the case when I bumped into a well-known singer and a TV News presenter in the past and I thought that we often ascribe attributes to people and characters because of our own incorrect perceptions rather than reality.

For instance, when looking at the dramatic characterization on stage at the opera, it is not easy under all the make-up and costumes to recognize the softly spoken, humble God-loving human being that the opera singer is at home.

This led to another thought:

In the same way, we ascribe attributes to Satan that are far removed from reality!

Because we have from an early age learnt that he was responsible for the fall of man, we automatically think of him as a very strong, diabolical looking, larger than life character with immeasurable power when in fact, the Word says:

“Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Pet. 5: 8

Yes, be sober; yes, be vigilant; yes, remember that he is your adversary and that he seeks to devour, that he has come to steal, to destroy, to murder, BUT also remember that he walks about like a roaring lion – he isn’t a roaring lion!

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4: 7

“Nor give place to the devil” Eph. 4: 27

“And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.” Rom.16: 20

Also remember that:

“…He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” 1 Joh.4: 4

            "...and powers, He (Jesus) made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over

            them in it.” Col. 2: 15

(My insertion between brackets)

Let us not see Satan as a friendly ghost, but also let us not see him artistically made-up, under the floodlights, in Technicolor. Let us remember that God is the only One who is Almighty, Omnipotent and that He is mighty and willing to save.

Thank you, Lord, that we may rely on Your Strength, Your power, Your presence, Your Spirit when facing our adversaries. Thank You, that You have already overcome our enemy number one and that you have given us all power and authority to do the same.