This article is a little follow on from the last one where I wrote about accusations. Here are some considerations about accusations. Some would say it’s good to know your enemy and what they’re up to even The Apostle Paul alludes to this in 2 Corinthians 4.5-11 , especially verse 11. The Bible speaks about the accuser of the brethren (those who are believers).
And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, because the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, the one who accuses them before our God day and night.
W. Hall Harris III et al., eds., The Lexham English Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012), Re 12:10.
There are a couple of times in the Old Testament where a satan or the satan comes to bring accusations to Yahweh about two different people respectively. The first one is found in the book of Job (1 v 7). Here the satan approaches God with the other sons of God. We get to find out a little of his nature here which is mirrored in what I write later, that he is going to and fro in the earth. Then another similar story occurs in Zechariah where the accuser is standing off to the side. This is another heavenly view point text and doesn’t really give much away apart from the fact that Yahweh rebukes satan for his accusations.
Later in Revelation 20 John speaks about how satan has been bound. It appears that this binding is not ultimate. He still has some influence. Yet when he is released watch out nations of the world! In John 12 there is a very similar scripture which has led some to look around for other parallels between the two books – (note the same chapter numbers where this occurs. This is not something new to people who study the Bible and appears that it’s not by accident). The scripture in question also speaks about Judgement which has echoes of Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus in chapter 3 of the same book.
31 Now is the judgment of this world! Now the ruler of this world will be thrown out!
W. Hall Harris III et al., eds., The Lexham English Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012), Jn 12:31.
There is something lion like about how satan goes around. He goes around like a roaring lion looking for whom he may devour. The word in Greek behind the word devour can also mean to drink up. In the same chapter of Revelation 12 the dragon (also known as satan or the devil) tries to swallow up the believers yet the land interestingly takes the brunt of his wrath. That’s an interesting thought that the earth has come to the defence of the believers. Maybe this a link to Genesis 3 where it speaks about how the land will produce thorns and thistles because of sin. Here the opposite is taking place because sin has been dealt with by Jesus’ death. It is also hinted at in Romans 8 where the creation is waiting for the redeeming of the sons of God.
According to Google:
Lions roar for a variety of reasons, including:
- Territorial display: Roaring is a powerful way for lions to mark their territory and deter intruders. A loud, deep roar sends a clear message that the area is occupied.
- Pride cohesion: Roars help lions within a pride to stay connected, especially over long distances. It’s a way of saying, “I’m here, where are you?”
- Attracting mates: Male lions use their roars to attract females. A deep, resonant roar signifies strength and dominance, making the male more attractive to potential mates.
- Intimidation: Roaring can be used to intimidate prey or rival lions. A sudden, loud roar can startle and frighten other animals, making it easier for the lion to hunt or defend itself.
Overall, roaring is a complex and versatile form of communication for lions. It allows them to maintain their social structure, defend their territory, and successfully reproduce.
The enemy is a deceiver who leads astray. He’s the Father of lies, he comes to rob, steal and destroy. This is opposite of the character of Jesus, who is the way, the one who finds us when we are lost and puts us back on track. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who goes out of his way to bring those who have wondered back.
In Psalm 57 the Psalmist speaks about waking himself up. He exhorts himself to do this.
In an earlier psalm two psalms back I was struck by these words:
He safely redeems my life from the battle against me, because those standing against me are among many.
The Lexham English Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
The word for safely there is a well known Hebrew word – shalom. A word and all that it means that grabs the attention. This word also means well-being and good health.
Lastly, If you have been reading and studying the bible for any length of time you may have noticed that there seems to be a contradiction between the world belonging to satan and the world belonging to Jesus. I recently received an email of a post from Frank Viola who I’ve written of before. The post is about who really rules the world. See the link for the post.