Cats on the farm were always interesting. They had as many personalities as people do. Some were very docile others were vicious. These were barn cats that were not allowed in the house.
Many of the cats were "mousers." We were glad about that. Even in that aspect, they had their different styles. Some would pounce, kill, and eat. Others would pounce, kill, and then bring them back to the other cats to show off.
Others would pounce and slightly injure the mouse. Maybe break a leg. The mouse would limp away only to be pounced on again and again. The cat would throw this mouse around and torment it more and more until it was defenseless. Fear would envelope the dying mouse. It had no chance as it suffered a very slow, painful death. Growing weaker and weaker the mouse finally died and then was devoured.
The Bible speaks of a much bigger feline, a lion actually.
Heartless and cruel, the devil pounces on unsuspecting people that stray away from the Shepherd. It is horrific how he will play with someone, injuring them over and over as fear overwhelms them. His teeth clamp on a life and do not let go until he takes the last bite. Then they are finally killed and devoured.
Oh, how many have been destroyed that could have been spared, if only they had stayed near the shepherd. Jesus could have beaten the lion away with his rod and staff.
The safest place to be is near the Shepherd!
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8).
