He’s On The Prowl

I was once subjected to a three hour psychological examination as part of an employer’s screening tool to weed out unsuitable candidates for a position. Of the hundreds of questions asked, I now remember very few. I do recall at least one of them: “If you were visiting a zoo and the cage door was open and the lion was nowhere in sight, how would you respond?” I figured everyone would probably respond with: “run as fast as you can” but a few wise guys wrote: “jump in the cage and slam the door shut.” In reality, I know one thing for sure – my approach to the zoo visit would change in a flash. I would become much more alert, cautious, sober and deliberate in my moves. The casual stroll would instantly turn into a very guarded walk.

The imagery Peter employed in his first Epistle was vivid:

“Peter, why did you have to use the imagery of a lion? Were you trying to scare us or make us uneasy?”

“Yes, I was using it as a wake up call to get serious about living your Christian life. Living in a wicked world that hates Jesus Christ and everything associated with Him is not a stroll in the park – never was and never will be. It’s more like a zoo and the lion is on the loose, prowling and ready to pounce on his prey of choice…..deliberately stalking potential victims. Living for Christ isn’t about fun and games – it’s serious stuff. Be vigilant and on guard – cautious at all times. Humble – not cocky, understanding this, that better Christians than you have been pounced upon and have terribly fallen.”

Peter knew what he was talking about. Shortly before going to the Cross, Jesus cautioned Peter that Satan was after him big time. In fact, John Darby translates the phrase in Luke 22:31 KJV “Satan hath desired to have you…” as “Satan has demanded to have you…” Peter was confident he wouldn’t go down under the attack, but he did. He denied the Lord three times that night. Fortunately, Peter was fully restored to the Lord – but what an attack he suffered!

Satan was fairly experienced back then – but he’s had 2000 post-Calvary years to hone his scent-sniffing, stalk and attack skills. He’s no slouch when it comes to stalking his prey, snaring and cornering his victim and pouncing. For sure, there’s nothing haphazard about his approach – nothing casual. And there should be nothing haphazard or casual about my approach to Christian living either.

To try and survive even a day as a believer without reading my Bible and talking to the Lord in prayer is foolish and reckless. In fact, in addition to my routine bending of the knees in prayer and the formal, systematic reading of my Bible each day, my entire approach to living each day should be one of dependence on the Lord. Cultivate a closer daily walk with Christ. Breathe out little 2 second prayers to the Lord throughout the day as if He was physically at your side on the bus, in the car, on the escalator, in the mall, the classroom, library, or the office. Enjoy His presence; feel His power and experience His protection today.

Remember the cage door is open. Satan is on the prowl. Be alert and cautious. Walk guardedly not casually. Walk closely with the Lord and you’ll be safe.