As a child, I was fascinated with the story of Daniel in the lions’ den, partly because my name is Daniel, but also because we had a small zoo in my hometown with lions. As a child, they looked enormous and terrifying. Pacing back and forth, jumping off the ledge in the enclosure, or just sleeping against the side of the cage, they were a powerful sight. We lived close enough to the zoo that at night, with our windows open, it wasn’t uncommon to hear the lions roaring. Together, lions in a pride are ambush predators. They lie in wait, hidden from view until the moment is right, and then they lunge and roar, teeth and claws at the ready. The thought of those great beasts roaming free was terrifying!
In our reading today, Peter describes the adversary of God as a wild lion. But this lion is more than just a predator on the hunt for food. No, this lion is roaming the planet as a psychopathic murderer, killing and destroying whomever he can get ahold of. This beast is the lying voice behind the fall of mankind, and the author of every murderous, hateful, deceitful, malicious, sinful action that has been committed ever since. This beast stays hidden and crouching, cunning, baffling, and powerful, and it aims to tear us apart from God. And like a pride of lions, he has many helpers and enablers, and they are loose in the world. Who can deny all the evil and suffering we see and hear about daily?
Peter had been writing to his brothers and sisters in Christ who were suffering persecution for their faith. He was urging them to take a faithful stand for Jesus—even in an environment in which it was culturally hard and dangerous to be followers of Jesus.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world (1 Peter 5:8-9).
Peter says we are to “be sober,” or “self-controlled,” so we don’t let anything fog up our thinking; that we are to be clear-headed and sound of mind, which speaks to our inner state of being. With such a dangerous adversary—a roaring lion that wants us to panic and be confused—we need to be observant and clear-headed to see the places we could get ambushed, and be prepared to fend off an attack.
Peter and other authors of the Bible tell us we are to resist the evil of this world by not giving ground to threats and fears, but to remain steadfast and unmoved in the one true faith. How do we remain true to our confidence in the Gospel of Jesus Christ? We can follow the example of Jesus when he was tempted by the devil in the wilderness. Each time he was tempted, Jesus quoted God’s word as the final word on the subject, and the adversary departed.
But perhaps the best way we’re to remain steadfast in the faith is through deep connection and solidarity with each other. Peter says we’re to be steadfast, “knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” Knowing that other believers are experiencing the same sorts of attacks from the enemy and the same challenges to deny the Lord, but are nevertheless remaining faithful, encourages us to stand strong with them. Let’s not forget, in the end, the devil is a loser. His lies and schemes will never accomplish his goal. Nothing can ever separate us from God’s love when we are in Christ Jesus. And as we say so often here at Hope: We’re better together.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to stay sober-minded and watchful. Strengthen me to be confident in you and resist the enemy so I can stand firm in my faith in your promises. Remind me that I am not alone and you are with me in every trial. Keep me grounded in your truth. Amen.
Reflection:
- When you think of temptation, what are some of the lies the enemy tries to convince you of today?
- How are you connected to other believers to be encouraged and strengthened in your faith—and to strengthen theirs?
- What can you do in your daily walk with Christ to remain clear-headed, alert, and resist the temptations that come your way?