April 1

Apr 1 - Today from Proverbs 1 we look at verses 10 & 15
My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths."

This seems so obvious that one wonders why the teacher even bothered to pen the words. Obvious? Yes. Simple? Well let's think about that for a moment. Is temptation (enticement) really that easy to resist? Wisdom must look to the end – even if it takes one through a trial. Temptation is usually a perceived shortcut to get what you want in life. When sinners entice you, they are most always appealing for you to join them in some venture that will expedite a desire or a goal in your life. The goal may even be proper; it's the process that can tend to trip one up. In the example the teacher sets forth in this chapter, the goal is to gain goods and wealth. This in itself is not improper if one is willing to learn a profession or trade, work at developing and increasing skill and ability, serve with integrity, and then be a wise steward of one's earnings. The enticement is to take a short cut to all of these time-consuming ways. The sinners in this proverb are those who do not follow God’s ways and want the victim to throw in with them to become a band of thieves and to take goods from others by ignoble means. This particular enticement may not be a great temptation in your life, but there is a principle involved for all of us. Beware of paths that offer shortcuts and stay on the path of moral integrity.
When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-12), he knew of Jesus' goal to redeem the kingdoms of this world, although he didn't know the process (1 Cor. 2:8). Satan, who the Bible refers to as 'the god of this world' (2 Cor. 4:4), enticed Jesus, who did know the process (Matthew 10:33, 34), to forgo the cruel cross. All Jesus had to do was bow His knee to Satan, and Satan would hand the kingdoms of this world over to Jesus. I am not sure we fully realize what a tremendous temptation this was to the Son of Man. Jesus was 30 years old at the time. Roman crucifixions were common enough that I am sure Jesus witnessed at least a few in his day. He knew exactly what He was facing in order to redeem the kingdoms of this world. Here He was faced with the choice of going through the crucifixion Himself, or simply bowing the knee just one time to Satan. We can all be eternally thankful that He chose God's way and not the shortcut being offered Him.
Hebrews 12:2 says, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross." Some processes in life are very difficult, almost seeming unbearable at times. Wisdom must persevere and look to the end. What trial are you in today? What path lays before you that may seem enticing because it offers a shortcut in achieving a goal? Jesus endured the cross for the joy that lay beyond. He calls us to pick up our cross daily and follow Him (Luke 9:23). When He hung on that cross, no one in the entire world - not even Satan himself - understood God's purpose in it. Perhaps God has a greater purpose for some trial you are in. If nothing else, He determines to form the character of Christ in you. The path of enticement is the offer of a short cut. "Do not set foot on their paths." Fix your eyes on Jesus. He will never leave you or forsake you. He promises.