The Old Serpent by David Jeremiah

Friday, November 9 The Old Serpent    “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Ephesians 4:26-27    Earlier this year, forty-year old Jeremy Sutcliffe killed a diamondback rattlesnake in his backyard by ramming the creature with his shovel and severing its head. Ten minutes later, the snake’s mouth snapped and dug its fangs into Jeremy’s hand. A helicopter rushed him to the hospital where it took 26 doses of antivenom to save his life. Jeremy was told a snake’s decapitated head still has the ability to bite for as long as an hour.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 4:25-32

Jesus decapitated Satan at Calvary, but the old serpent still has the ability to strike at us. From God’s perspective, he’s in his final hour. But we must guard against him day and night, realizing, though defeated, he is still a dangerous enemy. One way Satan strikes us is by creating rage and bitterness in our hearts. Everyone has moments of anger, but when that anger settles into hatred, resentment, and a grudge-like spirit, we’re in danger of giving place to the devil. Even though he is a defeated enemy, it’s best to stay clear of him. Lord, crush the serpent in the dust, and all his plots destroy; / While those that in thy mercy, trust forever shout for joy. Isaac Watts