Snakebite (Part 2)

Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

In case of a snakebite, the first thing that is done in the natural world is to make a cut in the shape of a cross (+) over each fang mark and then suck the poison out. What an illustration of the work of the cross of Jesus Christ in freeing us from the "poison" of sin.

We have authority over serpents. In Genesis 3, God pronounced a curse upon the serpent (Satan). He said that his head would be bruised by the seed of the woman (Jesus) and that the heel of the seed (Jesus) would be bruised by the serpent.

The "bruise" on the "heel" of Jesus speaks of the pressure resulting from bruising Satan's head on the cross of Calvary. When Jesus bruised the head of Satan, it was much like severing the head of a poisonous snake in the natural world. A snake's head can be
severed from its body, but it still can bite for hours afterwards. The heart has been known to keep beating for two days and the snake's body can continue to move.

Jesus severed the head of the "serpent" at Calvary, but the serpent still has life. He is still active in the world today and he still has power, but Satan has no authority over a believer. The only authority he has in your life is what you give him and the power and authority within you (Jesus) is greater than his power.

Remember, Satan is not omniscient. He doesn't know all things). If Satan could foresee the future he never would have allowed Jesus to die on the cross. He would have known that the death of Jesus would overthrow his power and provide a way of escape from the bondage of sin for all mankind.

Satan is not omnipotent (all powerful). Jesus said the power of God within you is greater than the power of Satan. For those who believe in Jesus, Satan is already a defeated foe according to John 12:31. He is strong only to those who yield to him. His power is limited by the power of God.

Keep these scriptures in mind and you won't get bitten!

1 Peter 5:8 "Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."

Ephesians 4:27 "Neither give place to the devil."