Danger, danger Will Robinson!
Anyone remember this line from the tv show, movie, or remake?
It’s from Lost in Space.
That title seems apropos with where the world is lately.
The word danger literally means “the state of being warned”; so, if we dig a little deeper, the word warn means “to give notice to beforehand especially of danger or evil.”
There are books in the Bible that highlight the dangers we’ll face, offering us warnings of what to be on the lookout for. Joel and 2 Peter are two the Lord had me digging into.
If you’re not familiar with these books in the Bible here’s some context.
Both books are warnings of the dangers for:
-our behavior
-our complacency
-our self-centeredness
-believing false teachers
Joel – is just three chapters.
The setting is us (the people) taking God for granted, turning to self-centeredness, idolatry, and sin. Joel gives a warning of how living like that would inevitably bring God’s judgment.
Don’t mistake the fact, that since Eden people have sought independence from God’s control, as though our choices wouldn’t have an impact as we plot our own destiny. And God has allowed our rebellion, but soon the Day of the Lord will come. (Day of the Lord is God’s ultimate wrath or final fulfillment of the prophecies in the Bible.)
Remember, God wants us to CHOOSE him, above anything and all things the world may offer or falsely promise.
Joel 2:12-13 NKJV
“Now, therefore,” says the LORD, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm.”
2 Peter- is just three chapters as well.
The setting is Peter knowing his time on earth was limited. In his heart for Christ, he writes a warning letter to believers of what would happen, especially about the presence of false teachers. He reminds the readers of the unchanging truth of the gospel.
Peter’s letter took courage.
2 Peter 2:1-3 NIV
“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them – bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.
Today there appears to be more and more folks who call themselves Christians yet don’t follow biblical truth. This is dangerous. Followers of Jesus and His word need to beware of the dangers Joel and Peter warn us about; culture, customs, causes, or popular opinion being socially acceptable does not mean it is wise or aligned with God’s word.
We should beware of redefining what the Bible calls sin. And measure what the world defines as “good” against His word.
Bottom line, it is a choice…If we call ourselves Christians, we need to have non-negotiable facts of faith.
Do we believe Jesus is the only way?
Do we believe the Word is unchanging?
Are we studying and reading the Word for ourselves?
Do we represent and practice the Word?
Do we prepare for opposition in how the Lord tells us to?
Are we educating ourselves on the dangers of what the Bible tells us is happening or coming?
Are we prepared to stand for what we’ve proclaimed to believe?
Do we remember we are accountable for our words, and actions?
…it’s a choice, to follow, obey and worship God alone as our sovereign Lord.
The right choice is rarely the easy one. As we read and learn from the Bible, we know this to be proven true time and time again.
Lord, thank You for Your patience and mercy, wanting all to have the chance to know You, a chance to repent and be saved. May I pay attention to Your warnings, may I not forget You told of us the dangers of our behavior, and believing those who would teach outside Your word. Lord, I pray for strength, for compassion, for a resoluteness to speak Your truth, even if my voice shakes. Help me choose You daily in my words and actions, may I have courage to represent You, and live according to Your word knowing I will never regret my decision no matter the danger. In Jesus Name. Amen
This week’s playlist:
Crowder – Prove It ft. KB – YouTube
Prove It
Crowder
Carrollton – Made For This (Lyric Video) – YouTube
Made For This
Carrollton
Terrian – Stayed On Him (Isaiah 26:3) (Lyrics) – YouTube
Stayed On Him
Terrain
