"The Snake Line"

“The Snake Line”

 

Early settlers in New England and other parts of Colonial America would ask if property they were considering purchasing was above the “snake line”. This refers to an invisible boundary above which our slithering “friends” can’t survive. And even though the higher terrain wasn’t as productive as that at lower altitudes the farmers were willing to work harder to protect themselves and their families from unwanted critters like rattlesnakes and copperheads.

Just as there’s an unseen barrier by which God shields those He’s created from harmful reptiles He’s provided an intangible defense from the threat of spiritual defeat. The Apostle Paul depicts this protection in military terms: “…Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but…against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:10-12). He then describes each part of a soldier’s equipment and its function in safeguarding us against our spiritual enemy. And he assures us that we have offensive weapons Satan can’t overcome: Scripture and prayer (see verses 17 and 18). So from God we have the means to stay above the “snake line”.

I don’t know if composer Johnson Oatman Jr. was familiar with the “snake line” but his 1898 hymn “Higher Ground” seems to recognize the principle as seen in verses 2 and 3:

  “My heart has no desire to stay where doubts arise and fears dismay,

  Though some may dwell where these abound, my prayer, my aim is higher ground.

  I want to live above the world, though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;

  For faith has caught the joyful sound, the song of saints on higher ground.”

Just as it took extra effort to work the “higher ground” it requires intentionality to commit ourselves to growth and progress in our walk of faith. Oatman appears to have understood this because he began his song of praise with “I’m pressing on the upward way….”

As he and Barnabas returned to churches they’d planted Paul told them, “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22). About 20 years earlier Jesus had warned, “In this world you will have trouble.” But He gave His disciples (and us) hope when He added, “…Take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). So He’s promised to keep us above the “snake line”—let’s trust Him to be faithful to His word!

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan