On a recent trip to Rwanda, my husband and I had interesting conversations with the bishop of Butare and our host priest. Both had grown up herding cattle in Uganda. The bishop commented that it was good preparation for spiritual warfare. These men had fought off lions with a stick as their only weapon. As the lion approaches, the cattle and dogs run away, leaving the cowboy standing between the lion and the herd. If the cowboy runs away or takes one step back, the lion will bring him down. He must stand his ground. He scares the lion off by shouting and shaking his stick.
1 Peter 5:8 (English Standard Version)
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Dear Lord, grant Your children in the Episcopal Church shepherds who will stand firm against Satan, preach against sin, and claim their flock for the kingdom of heaven. Amen.
Thank you for this powerful lesson.