What Big Teeth You Have!

Have you ever been face-to-face with a real-live lion?

 

Fifteen years ago when Will was 14, he and I went on an associational mission trip to Botswana, Africa. Before coming home, we visited a game reserve where we encountered some breathtaking animals. 

This old boy is John, one of the Over brothers. I took this picture of him while I was perched in an open air, all-terrain vehicle about 30 feet away. 

Don't you know he could do some major damage with those teeth?!

Later that night as we were in our thatched- roof hut, we could hear John and his brother, Steve, outside our encampment. Their roars let us know they were there -- circling. 

As I read my ALIVE Sunday School lesson this week, I thought about these magnificent creatures. 

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” ‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:8‬

Now if Will and I had heard these lions the first night we had been there, I dare say neither of us would have gotten much sleep. As it turned out, we had seen first hand that as long as we followed the rules, we were safe from any harm. We both drifted off into peaceful sleep in the midst of God's active creation -- safe and secure.

Isn't that what this Scripture verse is talking about? We must be aware of our surroundings and think clearly about following God's directions. If we stray from His protective care, we can expect the opportunistic predator to seize us. As it is, even though we know Satan is "out there" circling, we can rest peacefully knowing we are safe and secure in the Master's hands. 

Yes, this Scripture delivers fair warning. But it also offers protection and security to those who believe.