The Roar of The Lion

THE ROAR OF THE LION

By:  Julie Souza Bradley Lilly

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8

Lions may be beautiful, but I wouldn’t want to come upon one in the wild.  They are agile and strong, with paws the size of a dinner plate.  And their roars can be heard up to five miles away.  The interesting thing is that usually it isn’t the roaring lions that are the most dangerous.

Lions roar most commonly as a warning to intruders that they are entering claimed territory.  Often this role is delegated to old lions that are missing teeth or that are slow and no longer able to hunt.  They serve as sentinels to warn the rest of the pride.

Roaring can also serve as a distraction.  Think about it.  Why would a stalking lion announce its presence when trying to sneak up on prey?  When hunting, a lion roars to frighten prey, prompting it to run in the opposite direction, where the open maw of ambush awaits.  Like magicians who use slight of hand to distract while something else is happening in secret, a roaring lion distracts from the true danger that approaches.

A lion is roaring, beloved.  Can you hear it?  The deafening roar is the growl of a beast whose teeth and claws have been removed by the Lion of the tribe of Judah.  The roar serves to instill fear, with hope that we will run and be caught by surprise by what silently approaches from behind.

Sound the alarm!  Pay attention!  Things are not all as they seem. Arise from the slumber that disables; shake off the fear that paralyzes.  Put on your armor!

Father, awaken Your church.  Let us to not fall prey, but to become alert, aware and wise.  Speak to us in quiet times, that we will not be caught off guard, but draw strength from Your closeness.  We see signs, Lord.  Empower us to stand firm until the end.  In Jesus’ Name ❤️

https://www.facebook.com/Prayers-of-a-Ragamuffin-Warrior-171515087035441/

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