There are two lions metaphorically denoted in Holy Scripture. One is the real deal; the other is a faker. One is the quintessential winner, the other a complete and utter loser. The true lion defines all that is good and pure in this world, the charlatan reeks of deception, corruption and degradation. The true lion, is the bona fide original…the fake lion, is merely a copycat.
One is the ‘Lion of the Tribe of Judah’ (Rev 5:5); the other is ‘Lucifer’ (Isa 14:12). One is the preeminent God and ruler of the universe. The other is an insidious fallen cherub, only posing as a lion (1st Pet 5:8) because in reality, his teeth have already been smashed out!
The Lion of the tribe of Judah will roar once more, “The lion has roared; who will not fear? The Lord God has spoken” (Amos 3:8). Right now, lions are separating into packs because the true lion will soon return to claim His cubs. All signs point to His imminent return. Are you ready for His roar and are you in His pack?
The Cherub that went rogue
It’s interesting, that lions are featured in the description of the cherubim (angels) which surround God’s throne, “Each of the cherubim had four faces: One face was that of a cherub, the second the face of a human being, the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle” (Ezek 10:14). There is also a parallel description of these cherubim, in the Book of Revelation (Rev 4:7-10).
Some scholars portend, Lucifer may have been created with a lion’s face, similar to the aforementioned cherubim. This bears witness to the connotation of Satan ‘as’ a roaring lion, for his countenance could resemble that of a lion. Interestingly the Apostle Peter reveals our adversary’s feline traits, when he describes the devil this way (1st Pet 5:8).
Scripture reveals Lucifer as a fallen cherub once elevated second only to God himself as a guardian of God’s glory (Isa 14:12-14; Ezek 28:14). The five ‘I wills’ of Lucifer describe a self-centered and self-sufficient rebel who desired to be ‘like the most High’ seeking the very throne itself. At this juncture, Satan is a defeated foe, following Christ’s victory over him at the cross. To find out more about this rogue, click here.
Pride was at the root of his downfall, and we must resist pride at all costs or expect to fall in the same manner. Satan is not a name but a title meaning ‘adversary.’ The name of this fallen cherub is ‘Lucifer’ (literally, ‘light bearer’), mentioned in the King James Bible almost exclusively, and not commonly referenced in modern English translations.
Don’t be devoured!
Correct biblical interpretation requires an orthodox approach where context determines meaning. If we remove the text from its proper context, all we’re left with is, ‘the con.’ If you don’t consider the full context of a scriptural passage you too might be ‘conned.’ We must earnestly seek to rightly divide the Word of God (2nd Tim 2:15).
Satan seeks to devour the ignorant in these last days through various machinations. Yet the Holy Bible dispels our ignorance as wisdom and understanding drip from its pages. So lets take a look at this notable passage from the New Testament, regarding the stratagems of Satan:
Be sober and watchful, because your adversary the devil
walks around as a roaring lion,
seeking whom he may devour.”
(1st Pet 5:8)
Satan can only devour those who grant him permission to do so. The key to unlocking this passage, is found a few verses earlier as we review its context:
“Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:5–7)
Verses five through seven, reveal that ‘pride’ and ‘worry’ are the fuel, which the devil feeds upon. We’re admonished to be ‘clothed with humility’ and ‘cast our care,’ otherwise we’re in danger of being devoured. You could say worry is a subtle form of pride because in doing so, we assume that God isn’t big enough to take care of our problems. Ironically the trait of pride which caused Satan’s downfall, is what he still feeds on today. God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble (Jam 4:6).
Be Empowered…Choose Humility
Starve the devil today, by casting your care on God and walking in humility. In actuality, being care free is the highest form of humility!
Are you a worrier friend? Take a look around you…there’s a lot to worry about.
The devil can only devour those who fall for his subtle suggestions. Satan cannot harm us without our cooperation. Unfortunately, ignorance is a form of cooperation. The good news is, God directed you to this website, so you can no longer plead ignorant.
It’s time to step up, be counted and join the winning pack! Right now, you are in the loser’s pack by default unless you willingly choose the winning pack.
It’s time to embrace your destiny and become a winner…it’s time to roar!
If you want to join the winning pack, click here to find out more…
Author – Carl G.M. Joseph