Psalm 17:12

¹²They are like a lion hungry for prey, like a fierce lion crouching in cover.

One evening, I was thirsty. I went to get a glass of water to drink. Before I was able to switch on the light, someone suddenly grabbed my pants. I switched on the light and saw the naughty cat was running away from me. The playful cat ambushes anyone who passes by its hiding place. Experts suggest that lions are big cat. Lions ambush victims that passes by their hiding place to satisfy their hunger and not to play with.

The Psalmist described his wicked enemies like lion hungry to catch their prey. Of course, enemies don’t care for their victims. Reflect on what Apostle Paul told in Philippians 1:15-8, ¹⁵It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. ¹⁶The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. ¹⁷The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. ¹⁸But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Do not be fooled. God won’t anoint anyone as preacher or teacher just to copy biblical ideas from the internet, will he? In the first century Christianity, there were people who preached and taught biblical lesson for selfish gains, and it is true in each generation. Be prayerful. Internalize biblical lessons that may challenge you to prioritize God, and avoid ideas that cause argument. Pray that you may personally apply lessons that help you to be more obedient to the Lord. And don’t assume that a quiet lion is friendly because it does not growl. Someone warned that the scariest enemies are those who hide behind false friendship. They pretend to behave friendly but they are waiting for timely opportunities to take advantage of naïve individuals.

Lord Jesus, keep us safe from scheming enemies.

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