Feeding the eel

Many of us look back on things we did during our college years and wonder why we put ourselves in such dangerous positions. 

One of those times for me happened during a dive trip on a coral reef. Just before we went over the side of the boat, the divemaster said there was a tame moray eel that lived in a crevice on the reef and anyone who wanted to could feed it. 

We followed the divemaster down the anchor line to the reef where he opened a can of cat food and passed it around for everyone to get a portion. The divemaster gently lured the five-foot eel from the crevice, slowly brought his open hand towards the eel, who then ate the food from his palm.  

Each diver slowly followed the divemaster’s example and under his close supervision.

Back on the boat, the divemaster made it clear he had many years of experience and training with that particular eel. Most eels are not that docile. He didn’t recommend us doing that on our own. Otherwise, things could get dangerous.

How to approach a dangerous situation

A few takeaways from that experience were when in a potentially dangerous situation always: 

• Be with an expert.
• Follow their instructions.
• Don’t go alone.

These principles also apply in the spiritual realm.  

Acts 19 tells us of some of the Apostle Paul’s incredible ministry in Ephesus. There the Lord empowered him to perform many miracles of healing and casting out demonic spirits.  

One of the chief priests in Ephesus, Sceva, had seven sons who had seen Paul do these miracles and thought it a good idea to give it a try themselves. Finding a demon-possessed man, they commanded the demon to come out of him “in the name of Jesus whom Paul preaches.”  

The man responded by saying “Jesus I know, Paul I know, but who are you?” He proceeded to beat the seven until they fled naked and wounded. It seems the seven had heard of Jesus and of the Apostle Paul, and perhaps had even witnessed some of his miracles but they certainly did not have the relationship with the Lord that Paul had nor the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Be aware of danger

Evil is a reality. Spiritual warfare is a reality. This is precisely why the Apostle Paul was so emphatic in his letter to the church at Ephesus telling them:

“Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”  (vs 5:10-11)

He continued through verse 18 describing in detail each piece of the armor, its purpose, and the power of prayer. In 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, he describes the strategy and tactics of spiritual warfare.

Peter warns in 1 Peter 5:8 that we must: “Be sober, be vigilant, because our adversary the devil, as a roaring lion goes about as a roaring lion, seeking those he may devour.”

Approach danger biblically

In thinking about our adversary, spiritual warfare, evil, and the danger they present, it’s imperative that we think biblically. Through His Word, God gives us everything we need for life to be fully equipped for every good work.  

The Bible describes what happens when we encounter the devil ill-prepared (eg. Adam and Eve, Genesis 3) and fully prepared (eg. Jesus, Matthew 4). It teaches us how to be filled with the Holy Spirit so that we do consistently live in His power and wisdom and not our own.  

Scripture shows us how to use the Word of God as the offensive weapon of the sword of the Spirit against spiritual strongholds, and the shield of Faith as our defense against spiritual attack.  

Don’t underestimate the danger

Scripture provides for us the balance between the two equal and opposite extremes of either ascribing to our adversary too much power or too little. The devil is not omniscient, he is not omnipotent, and he is not omnipresent. But neither is he weak and powerless. 

In these situations, the Apostle John’s words in 1 John 4:4 are true. “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.”

The most important concept as we encounter dangers is to ensure:

• We’re filled with the Holy Spirit
• Reading the Bible daily
• Praying to God daily

Because if those disciplines are in place we can be assured that:

• We’re with the expert
• We will have His instruction
• We’re not going it alone