Satan: the Roaring Lion
1 Peter 5:8 KJVS
[8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
How many times have you heard or read this scripture? I’m sure pretty often. However, have you ever meditated on why Satan is referred to as a roaring lion? First let’s get the Strong’s definition of “devil” used here.
Strong's Number
G1228
Original Word
διάβολος
Transliterated Word
diabolos
Phonetic Spelling
dee-ab'-ol-os
Parts of Speech
Adjective
Strong's Definition
From G1225; a traducer; specifically Satan (compare [H7854]): - false accuser devil slanderer.
Here we see traducer as well as specifically Satan. Let’s define “traducer” using dictionary.com.
Definition of Traducer from dictionary.com
to speak maliciously and falsely of; slander; defame: to traduce someone's character.
All of this is used to sum up Satan and how the devil operates, him and his army of evil angels. But more on that at a later time. Yet, why a lion? We read in many passages that the same animal is used in both positive and negative lights to reflect Israel; even the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:9, Numbers 24:9 etc.). So why use it to describe our chief enemy?
You must understand perspective and context. Firstly, lions get hungry and when they do they know they have to eat and they love to eat, fresh, live, prey. Satan and his army also get hungry and they feed off of you! Your emotions; your anger, your hate, your jealousy, your sorrow, your depression, your wicked thoughts. You call unto Satan, he smells blood and he comes for the feast. And he will eat until he is full.
Secondly, lions know how to identify what is and isn’t food. What is a soft target; what can be preyed upon. Lions don’t just go after anything and everything in the jungle. They have a target… They have a focus. Likewise, Satan and his army know who they want and who they are focused on. He knows when you are weak or vulnerable.
Thirdly, A lion is an animal that stalks its prey. A lion (like many large felines) is not an animal that is constantly chasing its prey all over the jungle. As they aren’t built for that type of endurance race. But rather lies in wait. As they do not have the stamina for a long drawn out pursuit. So they must be calculated when they attack. Likewise, Satan stalks you and waits for the best time to strike. Satan doesn’t stay on you 24/7, that is to say, he is not trying to actively make you fall away 24/7. He rather comes and goes from season to season. Remember, the goal is to use the element of surprise to catch you off guard. In hopes that he will be able to officially get the kill.
Luke 4:13 KJVS
[13] And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season.
Just like a gazelle you too must stay vigilant and sober. You do not have to become food for the lion. You are more swift and more agile IF you stay alert. And you have more endurance. You must stay actively aware of your surroundings, your emotions, your thoughts, and your actions. As anyone of these things you can begin to attract Satan. You must maintain self control at all times. Because if you don’t take control HE WILL. And he will seek you out.
Luke 22:31-32 KJVS
[31] And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: [32] But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
