October 9, 1998, Friday

If you were asked if you thought that there are dangers

and traps in life, would you agree? Would you agree that

a trap is really not a trap unless it is hidden and that you

cannot see the consequences of being caught or ensnared

in the trap? Would you agree that most traps use something

as a bait to entice the prey to enter the trap? Some people

think of speed traps, pest traps, bear traps, or tiger

traps. However most agree that one type of trap (like a

speed trap) is for the unsuspecting where the temptation

is to relax a maintenance of regulations, while other traps

(like animal traps) entice the prey to enter the traps. In

both types of traps, the victim was unsuspecting of the

danger.

The Scripture tells us that Jesus warned His disciples

to pray continually to avoid being ensnared in the traps

that Satan has placed around us: "But keep on the alert

at all times, praying that you may have strength to

escape all these things that are about to take place,

and to stand before the Son of Man" (Luk 21:36). To

walk around a trap is considered wise. To discern a

trap and then avoid it is considered prudent.

Paul warned Timothy that those who heard him preach

and teach had previously been deceived and that he hoped

they would be able to discern the devil's lies: "Hoping

they may come to their senses and escape from the

snare of the devil, having been held captive by him

to do his will" (2 Tim 2:26). His motivation was to warn

them from trouble and harm's way.

Paul explained to the Corinthians that God knows every

step that we take and the traps that we will encounter

each day. It is His will that we are not deceived nor

ensnared by the Devil's tricks. God teaches us and is

faithful to help us avoid those traps and temptations:

"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common

to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to

be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the

temptation will provide the way of escape also, so

that you will be able to endure it" (1Cor 10:13).

Let us remember who is the God that sanctifies us as a

holy people. God's name is Jehová Mekaddesh, He is the

Lord that sets His people apart. He knows how to deliver

His people from temptation. He knows how to provide a way

of escape from evil. The Psalmist knew to hide God's word

in his heart that he might not sin: "And I shall lift up

my hands to Your commandments, Which I love; And I will

meditate on Your statutes" (Psa 119:48). Lift your hands

to Him and Praise Him today for the fact that He is the

merciful God that sanctifies us!