“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you” (Luke 10:19).

Just as in desert Israel, there is an abundance of dangerous snakes in Africa. Lying low and wiggling itself along the ground a snake can easily be missed for its silhouette colors. Snakes are not known to move with fanfare; they roll sneakily somewhere, unseen, where once settled, they sharpen their fangs, before delving on the unsuspecting victim. A snake venom quickly attacks the central nervous system and unless immediately arrested can easily cause respiratory failure and subsequent death.

In the Bible we first become aware of  a snake where it is depicted as “more crafty than any of the wild animals” (Genesis 3:1); ultimately, seducing Eve to cause the fall of Adam. The consequence of that was a curse which is well reflected even today. “ So the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, “Cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life” ( vv 14).

Now although mankind was sworn to eternal enmity with the serpent; snakes have survived to this day, where they remain as much of a danger. In life we often find two types of snakes: first, those sleazy creatures crawling on their bellies with devastating fangs. Then there are also characters who carry the very traits of serpents. These penetrate among us unsuspectingly without much fanfare, take on the colors of their surrounding, and can easily be passed, only one day to attack and bring down their victims.

We should be alert to these snakes, for the danger they pose. There are certain ways one can protect themselves from snakes such as removal of wild bush in our surroundings and being ever on the lookout. As Believers in Christ we need also to remove those bushes that can give cover for snakes to penetrate among us. Snakes fear fire and long before used to be chased with smoke. Likewise, a life diminished of the fire of Christ, opens itself to the guise and ultimate devastating attack of a snake.

However, one of the most beautiful things about being a Christ follower is that Believers have been given power over snakes. There can be snakes constantly attacking us in multiple ways:  from financial distress to physical challenges.  For all the snakes around us let us walk with confidence knowing that authority has been left to us “to trample on snakes and scorpions” and we should fear no harm.

Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, for any snakes arraigned against me I trample over them, through faith and in the power of the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, I overcome all, this I pray in Jesus’s name!