Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8-9
Everybody, even young children, can understand that hungry, roaring lions should be avoided.
This means most people would also understand we should avoid a hungry, seven-foot alligator.
Now if you're wondering where that came from, I probably should tell you a hungry, seven-foot alligator was found in the hallways of Stewart Middle School in Tampa, Florida. Teachers made sure the students couldn't get near the critter, and then they locked the gator in a men's washroom until a game officer arrived.
One of the teachers said, "He was never aggressive. The only time he was assertive was when they put the noose around him. He got kind of mad."
It should be noted that the devil isn't so easily contained.
The "father of lies" (John 8:44b) is a shifty sort of personality. The moment you think you've got him and his temptations figured out, he turns and does something quite unpredictable.
This is just one of the reasons why we need the close companionship of the Savior. Jesus often met Satan head on and He always won the victory.
That's something none of us can say.
We can, however, trust in Jesus. The crucified and risen Lord Jesus gives us the wisdom, courage, and strength to resist the old, evil foe, and He provides forgiveness when we fail and fall victim to his suggestions to sin.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord and Savior, I ask for the ability to resist whatever temptations the devil places in front of me today. May I be given the insight and wisdom to reject those temptations and trust in You for deliverance and forgiveness. This I pray in Your Name. Amen.
In Christ I remain His servant and yours,
Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker emeritus of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Today's Bible Readings: Song 1-3 Acts 6
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