Monday, January 20, 2014

A Warning


"Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”  (Proverbs 30:5 NIV)

If you have ever gone bungee jumping, skydiving, or something else that involves risk of injury, you are familiar with the waiver of liability.  The companies providing these opportunities insist you sign this waiver absolving them of any liability for your injuries if they were to occur. And of course we are familiar with the warnings on coffee cups (“This beverage you are about to enjoy is extremely hot…”) and on television commercials advertising trucks or cars (“Professional driver on closed course.  Do not attempt.”).  All are cautioning there is some risk and all are basically saying, “You were warned; don’t blame us if you get hurt.”

This verse is basically a warning about living a life apart from God—you are exposed to life and all its dangers.  You may be hurt.  In other words, don’t blame God if life doesn’t go so well for you.  You were warned.  

I have known people angry with God because life didn’t turn out the way they expected.  They blame Him even though they never really sought to live for Him.  Like the person who puts a cup of coffee between their legs while driving, they want to blame God when they act foolishly and reap the consequences.  

God promises to be a shield against the dangers of life in a fallen world, if we take refuge in Him. (Not every physical danger or bad thing, mind you. Christians are hurt and die every day.  But His blessings are upon us even in those circumstances.)  But if we choose not to seek refuge in Him, He has also warned us of the consequences.  Thus, don’t blame Him if you do not choose to live for Him and things go badly for you.  You were warned.  

© Jim Musser 2014

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