That Great Serpent

Submitted by Alan Marsden on Mon, 13/03/2017 - 18:04

Several years ago in India, a snake was spotted in our rooms. It had snuck in unannounced and unobserved until its last few inches were seen disappearing under a bed. There was something of a panic; locals ran out looking for sticks with which to expel our visitor. When the job was done and the snake safely expired, I was offered the chance to hold it for a photograph. I declined.

I've previously blogged about the devil being likened to a lion and a shark. So why a serpent? Genesis says the serpent was more cunning than the other animals. Our ancient foe is far wiser than we will ever be; we shall never outsmart him, though we may hope not to be ourselves outwitted by him.

He hides well, concealing himself in the long grass or under the furniture. At some opportune time, he will strike. Today, the devil hides in churches, chapel meetings and theology faculties; he's been there for years and will not easily be dislodged.

His poison is deadly and comes from deep within him; snakes have poisoned humans for years and shall continue to do so. It is their nature; neither can change.

Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. (ESV).