Cure for the Common Prowl

I Peter 4:12:5:14

It has always caught my attention, every time I read it, that Peter describes the life-devouring destruction of the devil as the prowl of a lion.

Of course, I've never actually seen a lion on prowl, but I do bear the credentials of watching due amount of National Geographic & Discovery channels to have some idea. The thing that I always find fascinating watching the hunt of a lion, is how almost without fail, there are multiple victims to choose from. Whether the carnivore's palate is hankering for some roebuck or wildebeest or zebra, regardless it seems the lion hunts the herd.

But, the victim finally chosen so typically seems to have this one trait in common with all the other victims gone before. Whether from weakness or illness, or age or youth, distraction or stupidity, or just plain grass-is-greener-grazing carelessness, the one ultimately selected for devouring is the one that has gotten himself isolated on the fringe of the herd.

It must be that the hunting rules of the Serengeti parallel that of the soul life. It ought not escape our notice that this warning alert to the presence and ways of the evil one, follows on the heels of instruction for how we must live in close supportive community in the body of Christ. Chapter 5 of I Peter begins with the exhortations to the pretty good shepherds entrusted with the care of the flock in the life of the church. Pastors and elders like Peter are witnesses of the living Christ. They share in His sufferings and one day also His glory. They are entrusted to care for their flock, and to man their post not for self-advantage, but out of an eager passion for God and His people. They must not lead by lording, but by serving and example. This description is both convicting and inspiring to this shepherd. The idea of the Real Shepherd, the Great Shepherd coming to inspect and reward shepherding sets one to shivering both for anticipation and trepidation.

But again, the picture is of the human flock, and the bonds of closeness we are protected by when together under the Shepherd's care. Even the example of the pretty good shepherds have an impact. Verse 5 says "In the same way... all of you, serve each other in humility"

It is out of this closeness and community of shepherds abiding, and sheep following example in humble service to each other, that comes the warning against the prowling wiles of the devil. Have you ever watched Satan have a straying believer for lunch? I have, and it is disturbingly savage.

Keep from the fringe.

-PPaul