The word for this week is "roaring". It's found twice in the New Testament:
Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. KJV
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. KJV
These are two different Greek words. The one in Luke is "echos". Strong's Concordance says a loud, confused noise, i.e. roar. Also: a rumor. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: 1. a sound/noise & 2. rumor/report. Jesus said this in answer to His disciples' questions about when the end times would be and what they would look like. With multiplied weather related disasters, forest fires, earthquakes, meteorites, there is a LOT of "roaring" going on! The elements are making themselves heard! Also, the rumors, fears, predictions and doomsday reports of those who do not know what the Word of God says are causing many people to lose heart and give up! Even many born again believers have lost hope because of this "roaring"! The word found in 1 Peter 5 is the Greek word "oruomai". Strong's Concordance says: middle voice of a primary verb. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to roar, to howl (of lion, wolf, dog and other beasts.) Vine's Expository Dictionary says: to howl or roar. It also says that this word is "onomatopoeic", [which the dictionary says means: the naming of a thing or action by a vocal imitation of the sound associated with it (such as buzz, hiss); the process of creating a word that phonetically imitates, resembles, or suggests the sound that it describes.] and is used of a lion as a simile of satan. This "roaring" is not even real! The devil walks about AS a roaring lion! He is NOT a lion. He is a defeated foe. The best way to look at this one is when fear and worry try to come on you about situations, circumstances, tests, trials or any other 'trouble', picture the devil standing there saying 'roar', as IF that will scare you into quitting, giving up, running scared, or backing down from your faith confession! The very best way to deal with this impersonator (fake, fraud, liar) is to LAUGH! He will be demoralized and stop! Another good way is to praise and worship JESUS in the face of any and all opposition. Holy Spirit spoke to us on Friday night about getting more involved with 'warrior praise' and then we were shown this song by Bethel Music called "Raise A Hallelujah". A very good song to use today!
The Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
