Articles
“Herd Dynamics”
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
(1 Peter 5:8)
Hunting lions are always looking for easy prey; the injured, the infant, those who can be separated from the herd. Peter describes our “adversary” as a prowling lion, “seeking someone to devour.” This language from nature is helpful not only to inform us of the devil’s tactics but also to teach us how to respond to his schemes (Eph. 6:11). Scripture often teaches lessons from nature; the sparrow and the lily, the vine and the branches, the ant, the horse, the fig tree, etc. What can we learn from how individual members of a herd react to one another and respond to outside stimuli like danger from a predator? And what spiritual parallels can we find?
There is strength in unity — Animals that travel in herds don’t do so primarily for social reasons. They congregate because there is safety in numbers (see Ecc. 4:9-12). Here lies an important lesson for Christians. When we responded in faith to the gospel, we were added to God’s “flock” (Acts 20:28-29). By sticking together (Acts 2:46; Heb. 10:24-25) we not only survive but thrive and mature spiritually (Eph. 4:13-14). The early church endured many trials by worshiping, encouraging and strengthening one another (Acts 14:22; 15:32, 41; 16:5; 18:23). We combat the enemy’s strategy to divide and conquer (1 Cor. 1:10) through our commitment to unity. Alone we are weak, but together, with God, we are strong.
There is strength in uniformity — While each Christian is uniquely endowed by God (Rom. 12:1-8), we are also called to conform to one image (Rom. 8:29). When we pattern our lives after the Lord (1 Pet. 2:21) and his teaching (1 Cor. 1:10; 2 Tim. 1:13), we find strength in Christ-like uniformity. This way no one among the herd stands out to the prowling lion as easy prey. Just as herd animals group themselves in a uniform manner to increase their chances of survival, Christians must follow their good Shepherd (Jn. 10:1-18) and keep in step with his voice (Jn. 10:27).
There is strength in vigilance — Every set of ears and eyes in the herd are attuned to sense incoming danger. Once danger is spotted, the alarm is sounded. While it is the duty of shepherds to watch for danger and protect God’s flock (1 Pet. 5:1-5; Heb. 13:17; Acts 20:28-31), we must all be sober and vigilant for one another’s sake. Paul tells us that “if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” (Gal. 6:1) Jude says we must be diligent to “save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.” (Jd. 1:23) Jesus taught his disciples to “watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mk. 14:38) Peter would know. Therefore, “be sober-minded; be watchful.”
The devil is our adversary and he is hungry. But there is another Lion, the Lion of Judah who has conquered the devil (Rev. 5:5). This Lion is also a Lamb, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (Jn. 1:29). His sacrificial blood has purchased and cleansed us (1 Pet. 1:19). This Lion/Lamb is worthy to be praised. He sits on the throne and executes God’s just judgments (Rev. 5-8). Salvation belongs to him (Rev. 7:10) and he guides us as our chief Shepherd (Rev. 7:17; 1 Pet. 5:4). By this Lion’s strength we can resist the devil (1 Pet. 5:9; Jas. 4:7-8), because the Lion who seeks to protect us is far greater than the lion who seeks to devour us (2 Kgs. 6:16). May God help us to stay unified, uniform, and vigilant in Christ so that when our adversary comes, we can conquer him by the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 12:11).
