The word “wolf” brings a little shiver of possible danger to our minds. But “coyote,” well, everyone knows that they are not a threat —they are cowards that run away from people and howl and yap at the moon. When those of us who live in bustling, smoke-filled cities are able to visit areas where wild animals may occasionally be seen, we are delighted. We are tired of noise and people and like to think that nature is all pleasant and a healer of tired nerves.
In settlements on the west coast nestled against the foothills, there are places where coyotes and people have lived together for many years. People began to feed the coyotes that roamed the hills behind their homes so that they could enjoy the thrill of seeing maybe five or more slink across their patio at night. However, this thrill was soon spoiled by the regular disappearance of cats and small dogs, all family pets. Ungrateful rascals—those coyotes!
We are reminded of the danger to ourselves of feeding that old untamed and sinful nature within our hearts. God has said, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked....” Jeremiah 17:99The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9). We can be saved and be made fit for heaven if we turn in faith to the Lord Jesus Christ who “was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities... and with His stripes we are head.” Isaiah 53:55But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5). However, we still have that old nature within us, and it only needs feeding to give us lots of trouble. But back to the coyotes.
The cats and dogs of the neighborhood were not enough. Since the coyotes enjoyed easy prey and plenty of food, their numbers grew rapidly. (In nature, hard conditions and natural enemies tend to hold down the population.) Just as sin that is allowed and is not judged encourages more sin, the coyotes kept wanting more. One old coyote actually began stalking a little girl. Alarmed, her parents took every precaution possible. They watched her carefully every day.
One day the family was planning an outing, and in the scurry to get everything and everybody together their watchfulness was forgotten. They were almost ready to walk out the door to the waiting car in front. Someone left the front door open, and the little girl ran out to sit on the curb to wait for the others to come. It was just the opening that the sly, old coyote needed! He had been watching all the time, so when this opportunity came along he attacked the little girl. Hearing his little girl’s screams, the father rushed out—only to see her being dragged away. The beast was driven off, but it was too late. The injuries to the little girl were very serious. She died a little while later.
The devil is a far more treacherous and powerful enemy to us! He knows all our weak points. But he was defeated at Calvary’s cross when Jesus bore the punishment for our sins in His own body. Yet Satan continues to slink around trying to take away our joy in Christ. He never quits watching. He will tempt us with things that seem nice. God’s Word, the Bible, should be our guide so that we will not be tricked. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:77Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7).
ML-03/14/1982