Pastors and teachers use analogies regularly as opportunities to drive a message home We relate well to stories and they help us to better understand concepts. They are also a means to helping us apply God’s Word in our lives.

This is a faith-building dream; a picture how we have “victory over the darkness.”

I was thinking about my dream while I was dreaming. What this reinforces is I don’t have control over what I dream, but talking about it reveals that what isn’t actually real can provide a spiritual lesson from a Biblical perspective.

Cliff Diving Dream

I was standing on a beautiful cliff with a group of friends. The view was stunning and it reminded me of the white cliffs and height of the island of Capri as well as the height of the Amalfi Coast in Italy.

Friends were telling me to find a section on the cliff where we could jump from. They wanted me to lead the way and dive into the sea. I paced back and forth until I found what I thought to be the safest position to dive from. I said nothing and took a leap. I rotated in a half circle, twisted at my waste, and looked back. While I was suspended in the air the cliff that I had been standing on was carved into the shape of an alligator.

When I saw the alligator in my dream, I woke up with a jolt and sat straight up in my bed. I felt an intense fear that I was still standing on the enemy and there was no turning back.

End of dream.

The scripture that came to mind immediately upon waking up was when Satan led Jesus up the mountain to be tempted.

TEMPTATION OF JESUS

Here are some ways you can apply these images to your life from a Biblical perspective?

·      Don’t be tricked. In war, the enemy is camouflaged to sneak up on its prey. It wasn’t until I looked back that I saw the rock was an alligator, which represents the enemy. In the Bible, alligators and crocodiles represent the enemy and what is referred to as Leviathan. Job 41:1 states “Can you catch Leviathan with a hook or put a noose around its jaw?” Read Job 41:1-4; 22-34

·      Develop a keen awareness of the enemy’s presence. My friends egged me on, convincing me it was safe to jump. In reality, it’s unsafe to jump from a cliff of that height. If things aren’t making sense in your life, perhaps it’s because you aren’t recognizing how the enemy’s presence is effecting you.

• Don't listen to the advice of sinners. The enemy is a fraud and disguises his voice to con you into believing he is good. Listen for the voice of God. “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”   “A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?” Proverbs 20:24

·      Emotions distinguish our faith. Fear is an indicator what is of God and what is not. God would never lead me to my demise. If it were God, then I would be filled with a desire to take a leap of faith, not a leap of death.

·      Expect to be tempted. The Son of the Sovereign God, the Messiah, was tempted. Most Christians know the Lord’s prayer, but believing it and using it is what makes the difference. “Lead me from temptation.” Matthew 6:9-13

• “But we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16 NIV

·      Stay with God! When Jesus was tempted, he didn’t rush off. We can worry and wander aimlessly or we can take a break and wait on God. “God said to Moses, “Climb higher up the mountain and wait there for me …” Exodus 24:12

·      Mother tongue. Since childhood we’ve been taught a language. Language enables us to communicate with other people. If you want to understand how to use the Word of God, learn the language of your Heavenly Father. Read your Bible and study it. Like any speech, if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.

·      The weapon of choice. The Word of God has the power to shape the way we think and react. Stand firm on the Word of God and use it the way Jesus did. Know it before you need it.

• Don’t skim scripture when you are reading your devotional or a blog. Only the Word of God can give you perfect peace and the right advice. “God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. Psalm 18:30

·      Be prepared. The why and how can be found in Ephesians 6:18-18: “You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.” MSG

·      Crush Satan. The thought that I had been standing on the enemy sent chills up my spine. I feared what Satan could do to me but the Bible states that God has already crushed Satan under his foot. I must know and believe that with God’s help I can do the same.

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus[ be with you.” Romans 16:20

·      The Devil hates you. He is vicious and everything the enemy does is with the intent to steal, kill, and destroy you. Whereas, everything God does is motivated out of his love for you. John 10:10

• No matter what trials and pain you are going through, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.” Lamentations 3:22-23

For further reflection:

How would it have been sin if Jesus had taken Satan up on his offer? This is what I think.

Satan tried to tell Jesus he would die in both instances unless he believed what he said to be true. He implied if Jesus didn’t eat the bread and didn’t believe the angels would catch him, he would die. Both sound reasonable to me, especially given that God is supernatural and Jesus knows full well that bread could be made from stone and that angels are there to protect him.

Listening to the devil isn’t sin, but doing what he suggests is. Jesus trusted his Father to feed him and lead him. Jesus did not surrender his will to the devil.

When have you been duped into believing God wanted you to do something, when in fact, you never listened to hear his voice?

The Message states in Romans 16:20, “Don’t be gullible in regard to smooth-talking evil. Stay alert like this, and before you know it the God of peace will come down on Satan with both feet, stomping him into the dirt. Enjoy the best of Jesus!”

Thumbnail photo by Pixabay 57265