PREY OR PREDATOR

Prey or Predator?

A Reflection on Authority, Identity, and Dominion in Christ

I am a regular viewer of the popular television program Animal Planet, which offers fascinating insights into how animals interact in the wild. The show often illustrates the natural food chain—where the strong prey on the weak, and survival is determined by strength, speed, cunning, or boldness. In observing this, we’re reminded that these dynamics are not limited to the animal kingdom; they also reflect spiritual realities in the human experience.

A deeper look through the lens of Scripture reveals that mankind is also engaged in a battle of dominance—either operating as a predator or being subdued as prey.

The Original Design: Dominion by Divine Mandate

Genesis 1:26 declares that man was created in the image of God and given authority over the earth:

“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the heavens, and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’”

Man was created to reign—to exercise leadership, stewardship, and dominion over creation. However, this divine order was disrupted by rebellion.

The Fall: From Ruler to Ruled

When man sinned against God, he forfeited his authority. As a result, everything that had once been under his control now turned against him. He became subject to the very forces he was meant to govern—sickness, poverty, fear, and death. Man, once a ruler, now found himself as prey in a fallen world ruled by darkness.

Satan usurped man’s authority and established his dominion over the earth, binding humanity in sin and oppression. Yet even in disappointment, God’s love for man remained unshaken.

The Redemption: A Blood-Bought Victory

Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God enacted a plan of restoration. By His death and resurrection, Christ reconciled man back to God, restoring his place of authority.

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” —John 10:10

Through Christ’s victory, believers are no longer spiritual prey. We have been empowered to take back what was lost.

Restored Authority: Sons, Not Servants

Now, as children of God, we have received authority over all the powers of the enemy.

“Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.” —Luke 9:1

We are not victims of the enemy—we are victors in Christ. We have been raised with Christ and seated with Him in heavenly places, far above principalities and powers (Ephesians 2:6, Colossians 2:15). We rule the earth under God's authority and operate in partnership with heaven.

“You shall decree a thing, and it shall be established.” —Job 22:28

Satan: The Powerless Pretender

Scripture warns us to be alert:

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” —1 Peter 5:8

Note: “Like a roaring lion.” He is not the lion—he mimics one. His power is rooted in deception. His intimidation is empty when confronted by the truth of Christ’s finished work.

A serpent with its head cut off may still wriggle, but it can no longer strike. So is Satan—defeated and disarmed.

Christ: The True Lion

The only true lion is Christ.

“Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed...” —Revelation 5:5

And because we are in Christ, we share in His nature and His authority. If He is the Lion, then so are we. We are no longer victims. We are predators—righteous, bold, and equipped to destroy the works of darkness.

Conclusion: Who Are You—Prey or Predator?

The choice is no longer up to the enemy—it’s up to you. You were created to rule, redeemed to reign, and commissioned to resist.

“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” —James 4:7

The predator doesn’t run—the prey does. In Christ, you are the former, not the latter.

So walk in your authority. Speak with boldness. Rule with righteousness. You are a lion. You are a conqueror.

You are not the hunted—you are the hunter.