We have a fair number of snakes around our
house.
Most appear harmless. But the bigger ones -- measuring four feet or more -- can definitely make your heart skip a beat or two.
Whenever my wife sees a snake around our house she gets my attention in a hurry so I can deal with it.
Even though it's usually an inconvenience, I don't mind handling the intruder because it serves as
a good reminder to me.
The first Adam failed when it came to dealing with snakes.
Instead of exercising authority over the serpent that came in his garden, he listened to its lies and began to live independently from God.
Now the last Adam, Jesus... He knew how to deal with snakes as He walked the earth.
When the serpent tempted Him in the wilderness, Jesus told him that He lived by every word that comes from God (Mt.4:4).
Through His obedience, Jesus saw Satan fall like lightening. And the powers of darkness continue to fall as we faithfully do the work God has given us (Lk.10:18).
We have this confidence because Jesus ultimately crushed the head of the
serpent when He did His Father's will at the cross (Gen.3:15).
Fulfilling our purpose in the dominion mandate involves learning how to deal with snakes.
It involves standing in authority over whatever might tempt you to live independently from God and stray from His call on your life.