“Hey, Watch out!” – how do you respond to hearing or seeing those words? Many would argue that the automatic expecta-tion is danger. Near, preventable and avoidable danger such as adjusting our movements to avoid a pole, carefully holding a jug to avoid spilling or scalding, or even being alert while traveling to avoid accidents and pickpockets. But in today’s Holy Nougat, we see this being applied to our spiritual lives.
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.” 1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT
Like watch out!, ‘Stay alert’ is a warning that one’s safety may be compromised, for danger is afoot. In the original Greek, the phrase used translates more to ‘be sober’ or ‘avoid being intoxicated’, which for me implies that we can be swayed or allured by something not readily seen as dangerous.
This is logical for me as I don’t know my way on this spiritual journey. In our daily lives, being alert in unfamiliar situations is second-nature to us. This, because we are trying to avoid danger, while discerning the route that is easiest/best suited to our needs. We have the benefit of technology, which gives fairly accurate directions; but recognize that the GPS devices don’t work in all circumstances (e.g. Potholes are not usually factored in, and that’s its own danger).
The writer does not leave the reader too much room to speculate about the need for watchful sobriety. It’s very clear. Us believers all have a common enemy: the Devil. And that enemy of our souls comes at us in many formats. The nougat mentions a roaring lion (which we will explore in more detail tomorrow); but we know that the action of the snake in Eden was part of the enemy’s plan. According to 2 Corinthians 11:14, the enemy even masquerades as an angel of light i.e. as one of God’s good messengers.Since our spiritual journey occurs all though our natural lives, we recognize that we need guidance to navigate and to avoid potholes.
Here are some recommendations for the journey:
Our best co-pilot* *Jesus
He’s been through the entire path before as a human and has noted what the traps are and knows how to safeguard us. Most of all, seated at God’s right hand, Jesus has a vantage point that’s better than the best drone: He not only sees the now, He sees beyond and is already preparing and interceding for us
Recommendation: Switch seats so Jesus IS the pilot
Our best GPS* *God’s Spirit
Equipped with tracking AND navigation systems; God’s Spirit is strategically located within us, providing ongoing directional prompts; redirects us when we’re veering off course; and uses the tracking device called our hearts to locate us when we walk away. Because God’s Spirit is directly connected to God’s throne with Jesus; mercy is immediately sought in cases of sin
User rating 5 stars *****
Our best lighting system* *the Bible
Sometimes referred to as the Word of God, the Bible offers much needed illumination on the nature of God and shows how Jesus Christ along with God’s Spirit may keep one safe on the journey. Equipped with the force of God’s Truth, this illumination system enables the user to anticipate the enemy’s disguises and tactics. God’s Spirit is also fully equipped, when activated by Prayer to keep us sober and overcome the enemy. Ongoing activation of God’s Spirit by prayer strengthens and increases one’s spiritual journey.
Use liberally
Well what d’you think? Feeling more spiritually equipped for the journey?
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May all we seek be found in Christ
