Wasp and the Snake (The)

An old Aesop's Fable titled "The Wasp and the Snake" gives us a clear picture of what sin can do to us if not dealt with and put down by the power of God's Word:

A wasp seated himself on the head of a snake and began stinging him unceasingly until the snake was near death. In great torment and not knowing how to rid himself of his enemy, the snake slithered over to a passing wagon that was heavy-laden with wood and purposely placed his head under the wheels, saying "At least my enemy and I shall perish together."

When we try to deal with sin in our own strength, it will defeat us every time. We simply are not strong enough to go to battle with the Enemy and come out victorious unless we bring our most powerful weapon, the Word of God.

Unlike the snake in the fable, we know how to rid ourselves of the Enemy: by hiding Scripture in our heart so that during the moment of temptation, we are prepared to step aside and let the Sword of the Spirit prevail.

Let our hearts admit, "I am poor and weak. Satan is too subtle, too cunning, too powerful . . . Therefore, on God alone will I rely for my keeping. I will continually look to Him."

John Owen

So the Word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed. Acts 19:20

Source: Today's Turning Point with David Jeremiah