As one who could not be more creeped out by snakes, I was thrilled for my sons to tell me what was the deadliest snake in the world. The Inland Taipan, native to Australia, is the most venomous land snake on earth, and it has the most toxic venom known to exist. Yet, it is a shy snake, not known to be aggressive toward humans. Far more people die from cobras, rattlesnakes, and mambas (!) than reclusive, though deadly, snakes like the Taipan, the boomslang, and the tiger snake.
Mike O’Shea, author of Venemous Snakes of the World, was interviewed by Princeton University Press, and in the course of the conversation he mentioned many of the fables and myths about treating poisonous snake bites that actually do more harm than good. He listed tourniquets, razor-cuts, venom extractors, and herbal, magical, or traditional treatments, and all of us have heard of some or all of these suggested “cures,” as wrong ways to treat such a bite. Then he said what was most effective: keep the bite area and the victim still, keep the victim awake and as reassured as possible, keep pressure on neurotoxic bites, keep the airways clear, and perform CPR as needed. Obviously, in all cases, the biggest, best thing to do is get the victim medical help and get a description of the offender if unable to kill and bring it with you and the victim to the hospital.
The Bible calls the devil “the serpent of old” (Rev. 12:9; 20:2). It also draws some correlation between the serpent and the devil in 2 Corinthians 11:3, 13-14 (deceiving and craftiness). Most feel certain that the devil was involved in the Eden events in which a serpent beguiled Eve. Likening the work and effects of the devil to that of a deadly snake is not a stretch.
If a species of snake enjoyed in physical terms the success the devil enjoys in spiritual terms, every health and emergency services agency in every nation around the world would rise up today and make its eradication their top priority. They would not rest until this creature was fought and defeated. To say they would be diligent would be to grossly understate the matter.
Yet, the devil is inserting his toxic poison into the hearts of willing victims every second of time. If only the worst he could do was kill the body. He is ruining souls (cf. 2 Tim. 2:25-26), which impacts eternity.
We should avoid places where he is likely to be (1 The. 5:22). We should take precautions (1 Pet. 5:8). We should know his habits and methods (2 Cor. 2:11). We should fight him (1 Pet. 5:9; Js. 4:8; Eph. 6:11).
If we are “bitten” by him, we need to seek help, being reassured that Christ has the power to heal us if we properly treat the “wound.” As scary as the devil can seem, God is more powerful. We have the help of others at our disposal, but more importantly we have God’s help and His cure is 100% successful if applied.
–Neal Pollard