Tag Archives: escaping danger

Nearing Danger

In the 1960’s science fiction television series Lost in Space which ran for 3 seasons, the dangers of outer space was a regular theme of each episode.  Whenever Will Robinson, the youngest child, approached a precarious situation, his robot would intervene.  Like a modern day drama queen, each time Will was nearing danger, the robot erupted, “Danger Will Robinson, Danger; no Will Robinson danger!”

As Saul neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him, Acts 9:3.

Since most people don’t have a robot, God gave each human being on the planet earth a conscience.  During the innocence of youth, the radar senses of this invisible force is strong.  Unfortunately, over time the conscience can become corrupted, polluted and unplugged by bad choices, thoughtless decisions and swayed by negative influences.  I guess my parents were right when they said, “if you play with fire enough, sooner or later you will be burned.”

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me, 1 Corinthians 13:11.

For the defiant, ignorant and stubborn, sometimes God intervenes directly.  History reveals angelic encounters, events that defy science and voices from heaven that made bystanders speechless.  Yet, when you become an adult, divine intervention is rare.  Perhaps God expects individuals to mature.  This may explain the apostle Paul’s words to the church of Corinth about becoming a man.  Therefore, whether you are young, old or somewhere in between, as you near danger, learn to become self-sufficient.  By doing this you will serve as an example for those struggling to survive, Matthew 9:12.

by Jay Mankus

 

The Great Escape

Time after time, the gospel of John records Jesus escaping from danger, often using the phrase, “the time had not yet come.”  Disappointed by the spiritual blindness of religious leaders, Jesus lays into them starting in John 9:40, continuing through John 10:38.  Since God expects more from leaders, Jesus didn’t sugarcoat his words, being painfully honest.

Instead of adhering to Jesus’ warning, these Jews wanted to stone him according to John 10:31.  Unfortunately, their minds and hearts were steeped in tradition and religion, not a personal relationship with God.  Thus, with each word, the anger of the Pharisees in attendance stirred, reaching a melting point.  Out of frustration, this crowd of Jews tried to seize Jesus, John 10:39, but were unsuccessful.

In life, each individual faces their own dilemmas.  The poor seek to escape debt, the rich struggle to overcome the grasp of greed and the lonely attempt to outrun depression.  Jesus’ teaching was not easy, like the disciples’ own words in Matthew 19:25.  Yet, with God, Matthew 19:26 and through Christ, Philippians 4:13, all things are possible.  To endure the great escape from sin alone would be foolish.  Therefore, to insure your success, place your trust in Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, Hebrews 12:2.

by Jay Mankus