The apostle Peter tells us to "be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8).

This is always true, but our adversary is especially active prior to God’s annual feast days. Those festivals are a thorn in his sight. Their symbolism pictures God’s great plan of salvation for human beings, and Satan hates that plan.

The experiences of the Israelites in Egypt are an example of Satan’s tactics. Egypt’s Pharaoh – who symbolized the devil – resisted Moses and persecuted the Israelites, following them all the way to the Red Sea. He couldn’t stand the thought that they would be free from bondage.

The apostle Paul compares the exerience of the Israelites at the Red Sea with baptism. When we are baptized, we are making a decision to seek freedom from Satan’s influence.

We are reminded of this decision each year when we keep the Passover, the first of God’s seven annual festivals. Satan is not happy about the decision we made back then. He is especially active at this time of year. It comes as no surprise, then, when we as God’s people experience "unusual" testing in the weeks leading up to the spring festival season.

Peter tells us what we are to do: "Resist him [Satan], steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world" (1 Peter 5:9).

Just as was the case with the Israelites at the Red Sea, our momentary time of special testing will soon be over.

With these thoughts I wish us all a rewarding Sabbath!