Here’s a scene that came to mind as I read from Proverbs 1:8-19 this morning during my time of “coffee with the Lord”…
An old, experienced soldier, veteran to many battles, and a new, inexperienced recruit are in enemy territory! They are traveling through rough terrain and a dense forest engaged in guerilla warfare! It has been a long challenging day – they are tired and hungry. Tension is high and there is a palpable sense of dread. Suddenly an opening… the heavy brush clears and there appears to be an abandoned campsite with provisions left behind… The young recruit appears ready to step out into the open… just then he hears an urgent whisper in his ear… “Son, I think it’s a trap!”
Here’s what the Bible says that prompted that picture in my mind…
“My child, listen when your father corrects you… If sinners entice you, turn your back on them! They may say, ‘Come and join us. Let’s hide and kill someone! Just for fun, let’s ambush the innocent! Let’s swallow them alive, like the grave; let’s swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death. Think of the great things we’ll get! We’ll fill our houses with all the stuff we take. Come, throw in your lot with us; we’ll all share the loot.’ MY CHILD, DON’T GO ALONG WITH THEM! STAY FAR AWAY FROM THEIR PATHS. They rush to commit evil deeds. They hurry to commit murder. IF A BIRD SEES A TRAP BEING SET, IT KNOWS TO STAY AWAY. But these people set an ambush for themselves; they are trying to get themselves killed!” (From Proverbs 1:8–19 New Living Translation)
Loving parents want the best for their children and godly spiritual leaders care about those they serve! When they warn, “Don’t believe it! Don’t do it! Don’t go there! …It’s a trap!” their counsel is driven by love, concern and experience! I’m so grateful for the urgent whispers I heard warning me, “SON, I THINK IT’S A TRAP!”
Coffee With The Lord 