The Hunter vs. the Humble

Lions are fierce hunters. Lionesses usually hunt for the pride in coordinated groups. They cannot sustain high speeds for long, so they stalk their prey, relying on cover or darkness to reduce visibility. While lions weigh between 260 and 400 pounds, their usual prey weighs between 400 and 1,200 pounds, such as wildebeests and zebras. When prey is scarce, they have even been known to attack men and even elephants.

The Bible warns us that the devil is like a lion: “Your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Just as lions prefer to hunt in the dark or from nearby cover, the devil often uses deception to conquer his prey. Revelation says Satan is the one “who deceives the whole world” (Revelation 12:9). But the Christian need not be deceived: “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20). We can avoid his deceptions by carefully searching the Scriptures.

Just as man-eating lions are often either sickly or desperate, the devil knows that his time is short (Revelation 12:12). He is desperate, but he can be resisted. However, it is a mistake to think that we can withstand him on our own. James makes it clear that humility is our best defense: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:6, 7). When we resist the devil by humbly submitting our will to God, the devil will flee.

Key Bible Texts

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: (1 Peter 5:6 KJV)