From where did the term “ Buffaloed ” come? In answer to the question two plausible and interesting possibilities are below:
Hint: Buffaloed is likely related to Buffalo!
1 – In the early history of America, millions of buffalo once roamed the land. The vast and eerie rumbling was said to be quite intimidating. Thus, the idea of being “ buffaloed ” or intimidated arose.
2 – The American Indians when hunting buffalo would cover themselves in Buffalo carcasses and be able to wander right up to the buffalo herds. At this point, they were able to shoot the buffalos with arrows or even firearms and the other buffalo around would not run. Thus, the Indians had deceived or “ buffaloed ” the buffalo.
Modern definitions of the word “ buffaloed ” include the words “intimidate” and “deceive”. Whether or not these are accurate origins, they can have some application to the Christian life.
The religious world today contains many large bodies of worshippers who claim their way is the best way to please God. They champion instruments, praise teams, clapping, swaying, and drama as pleasing to God. With so many people following these practices, many Christians are “ buffaloed ” into accepting these into their lives. A similar situation is found in Judges 18 where the Israelite tribe of Dan brought in Idols to their worship of God. This action had been condemned by God (Exodus 20), yet, an entire tribe was doing it. The sheer numbers were enough to cause folks to be “ buffaloed ” into following this false practice. God’s word must be followed despite intimidating opposition:
Matthew 15:8-9 – This people honoreth me with their lips; But their heart is far from me. But in vain do they worship me, Teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men.
Acts 5:29 – But Peter and the apostles answered and said, We must obey God rather than men.
Many religious bodies have also “ buffaloed ” by way of deception. Mass numbers have followed the conman Joseph Smith, though his and other Mormon “prophets’” prophecies have failed and their writings have contradicted. Ellen White’s prophecies crashed and burned. Islam has gotten great numbers to call it a religion of peace, but its own religious book declares its violent nature. Satan is a great deceiver having “ buffaloed ” man in the Garden of Eden. Satan deceives by appearing to be what he is not.
2 Corinthians 11:14 – And no marvel; for even Satan fashioneth himself into an angel of light.
Only Jesus provides a way which is secure:
John 14:6 – Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Don’t be “ buffaloed ” by the rumbling masses or the speech of mankind. Rely upon the truth of the Word God and its power to save.
John 17:17 – Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth.
Romans 1:16 – For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.