You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot. (Psalm 91:13)
As related in the previous devotion, there are many dangers we must face as we make our way through life. In this verse, Moses addressed that issue in a very dramatic way. It is highly unlikely that any of us will encounter a lion, young or old, unless they are in a cage. On the other hand, we may have a run in with snakes including the poisonous variety. But all of us will have encounters with the one who “walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). All of us, from time to time will be compelled to confront the one who is referred to as “that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan” (Revelation 12:9).
The point is, the one who has made the Lord his refuge and dwelling place is not only protected from Satan’s devices and fiery darts but has been given authority to tread upon his head and trample him underfoot. Messiah Himself said, “I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:19). In reality, if we are walking upright before God, and in the authority of His Word and Power, we aren’t the ones who should be fearful. Actually, it should be that the kingdom of darkness is fearful of the power of God that dwells in us. As James said, the demons acknowledge the sovereignty of God and tremble (James 2:19); as the disciples realized, “the demons are subject to us in Your name” (Luke 10:17).
Nevertheless, it is not this fact that should cause us to rejoice but that our names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20), and I would add, because we have focused our intention and energy upon heavenly matters. Paul was bitten by a serpent but didn’t die because he had placed his trust in God and was on a mission to advance God’s Kingdom. When we are doing the work of the Lord according to His Will, we don’t have to fear the power of the enemy; the enemy should fear the power of God.
That being said, I don’t advise picking up a snake just because we’re authorized to trample on them; we are not to tempt the Lord our God. But as we go about His business, we should not fear the one the Lord has already bruised and who, at the appointed time, will be committed to the abyss. As it is written, there will come a day when men will look upon the vanquished Adversary with derision and say, “Is this the man who made the earth tremble, who shook kingdoms” (Isaiah 14:16). Therefore, do not fear the enemy; fear the One who has all power and all authority and combat the enemy with full confidence that God has given us the victory.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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