Danger

DANGER

     Have you ever observed a hawk who is looking for dinner?  I snapped the photo of this bird in Duck, North Carolina, along a boardwalk that extends into the Currituck Sound.  I couldn't help but compare its demeanor to that of a demon.  Now, I'm not saying that a hawk is evil, but just pointing out similarities in their hunting practices.  

     The hawk sits perched on the tree limb, watching, ready to pounce.  He is vigilant, head swiveling, searching for prey to devour.  That also describes the behavior of a demon, a very real being who is eager to snap up unwary people.

      Notice the sharp, curved beak on this bird.  He has even sharper talons on his feet.  I've seen what he does to a tender dove when he gets it in his grasp - and it's not a pretty sight!

      When the hawk sees a smaller bird in the distance, he swoops out of the tree, wide wingspan sailing after the little thing.  The smaller, slower bird tries to hide inside a bush.  A life and death battle ensues.

    Of course, there is a spiritual message in this scenario.  Our greatest enemies, Satan and his minions, are always on the lookout for victims.  We're told in Job 1:7, that Satan spends much of his time, "going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it."  These are words from his own lips when he told God what he'd been doing at that time.  You can be sure as he's walking to and fro that he's looking for whomever and whatever he can destroy.  Not only he, but his followers are all in the same business -- destruction, damage, and discouragement. 

     The enemy is no slouch.  They've been around since the beginning of time and they are aware of our weaknesses, but God has promised not to allow us to be tempted beyond what we can handle:  "God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it," 1 Corinthians 10:13.  Even so, we need to be vigilant and remain close to God.

     Thankfully, we have an advantage over a little bird trying to escape a hawk.  We have a heavenly Father, a Savior Jesus, and the Holy Spirit who are our protectors, and they are far greater than our worst enemy.  "Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, 'Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name,'" Luke 10:17; and "You believe that there is one God.  You do well.  Even the demons believe -- and tremble!" James 2:19.

     Whenever you become aware that a demon, like a hawk, is watching you, ready to pounce, call upon Holy God for His protection.  James reminds us that we only need to, "Submit to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you," 4:7.  The enemy won't just quietly turn away, he will flee, meaning to run away as fast as he can!  That's pretty powerful -- and that power is available to us through Almighty God.  Praise the Lord for His tender watch care over His children!