Be Watchful!

by melissa bradshaw

Africa is the second-largest continent in the world. Only one other continent—Asia—has a higher population. 

When you think of Africa, you might think of missionary stories or the wonderful animals that roam Africa’s plains, jungles, and mountains. Or maybe you think of the many Bible stories that come from the heart of Africa. The Bible refers to Africa more than 1,400 times. Jesus spent time in Egypt as an infant when He and His parents fled there for safety. The stories of Joseph, Moses, and the Exodus took place partly in Africa, too. 

When I visited Africa recently, I went on a safari in the beautiful country of Kenya. I fell asleep at night to the sounds of wild animals. During the day we saw an incredible array of African animals, including elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, lions, and the cutest lion cubs. We spotted hippos relaxing in rivers, hyenas greedily feasting on the remains of other unfortunate animals, herds of striped zebras, speedy gazelles, grazing antelopes, and many more! From the safety of our safari vehicle we saw fascinating animals up close and were amazed by the beautiful creatures God created.

One day we saw a topi—an antelope often described as looking as if it is wearing blue jeans and yellow socks—a little way off from where we were parked. Two young lions also saw the topi in the distance and started to walk in its direction. Then one of the lions began to roar! I have heard lions roar at the zoo, but it was another thing altogether to be just a few feet away from roaring lions! The two lions began walking after, then trotting after, and then running after the unfortunate topi, laser-focused on it as it began moving farther away.Thankfully, the topi made it to safety, and the lions went hungry.

What I witnessed reminded me of 1 Peter 5:8: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” Just like the lions I saw prowling about, hoping to catch an unfortunate victim, the devil is constantly looking for people to lead away from Jesus. 

So how can we be safe from an angry devil? In Kenya, whenever we saw topi, we noticed that there was always a topi acting as a sentinel, or guard. Topi can be seen standing as still as statues on top of termite mounds, watching carefully for any sign of danger. And when they have a reason to be concerned—as did the topi I saw being followed by lions—they immediately move to safety.

In Matthew 26:41 Jesus said, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.” Jesus says we should be watchful, just like the topi. As we stay close to Jesus, carefully listening to what He says to us in the Bible and through prayer, He will keep us safe.

Visit the link below to listen to the very lion I heard roaring when I was in Africa. You can also see photos I took of some wonderful African animals Jesus made for you to enjoy.

Listen to a lion roar!

Visit this link to listen!

This article is provided by My Place with Jesus, a ministry of It is Written, a Christian media ministry based in Chattanooga, Tennessee that has been proclaiming the message of God’s love since 1956. Check out more fun and games on the My Place with Jesus website!