Overlook Trail

"Across My Path"

The few days away to relax had been long anticipated. Making things even better were the presence of our daughter, son-in-law, and our fourth grandson (still in the womb). With the beautiful weather we decided to take off on a hike, a two- mile trek named "Overlook Trail". We set out with great expectations.

We almost didn't begin the hike. At the very beginning of the trail, a three- foot copperhead snake was stretched out across the concrete steps leading downward. The Lord has blessed me with a healthy fear of snakes (even rubber ones!), and I was not about to proceed until this fellow slithered out of the way. We pressed ahead, but with greater watchfulness than usual.

About a mile farther on the same trail we came across another copperhead, lying right on the edge of the trail. This one blended more into the background, and we might have stepped on him (her?) if we hadn't been watching. A bite from a venomous serpent would not have made this a pleasant outing!

A serpent serves as an apt image for our adversary, the devil. The Bible presents him as cunning, deceitful and dangerous (John 8:44). You may recall mankind's first encounter with him, found in Genesis 3. The effects of his "bite" were destructive, and Adam and Eve were introduced to pain and suffering as a result of his dastardly work.

Like the copperhead, Satan is usually camouflaged. Paul warned first-century readers of this danger: "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:13,14). He looks warm and genuine; but when he opens his mouth his poisonous fangs appear!

Then what hope do we have if this powerful, awful being is lying across our path? Earlier in the same letter Paul wrote this: "... lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices" (2 Corinthians 2:11). Those who carefully study God's word are given an education about venomous serpents. We don't have to be surprised by Satan because God offers an in-depth briefing of our enemy.

One other suggestion by Peter should be noted: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Had we not been watching carefully that day, we might have stepped on that copperhead. If we don't look carefully, Satan may catch us off-guard. But with God's help, we'll finish our journey safely!

Timothy D. Hall