Issue 1991 Recipe For Disaster July 5, 2023
Happy Independence Day to our friends and readers south of the 49th (and in Alaska).
Yesterday evening, Kathy and I went for a stroll along Stoney Creek. It is ideal for a hot day stroll as it is in a ravine with a small bubbling brook and is well-shaded by mature trees. Plenty of little bridges exist to stop, look for salmon fry, and listen to the birds sing. There are plenty of “sittin’ spots” if you just want to stop and ponder life, creation or whatever is on your mind.
There is a bustling fenced-in dog park where we enter the trail. There is a regular community of dogs of all breeds and sizes and their owners. That means that the path along the creek is also busy with people walking their dogs. Both animal and owner are usually friendly, and I get to have my dog fix.
We were surprised to see a horse trailer when we arrived last night. As we entered the park, the horse was being escorted out by the owner. The dogs in the park were all excited. They didn’t seem unfriendly but were very enthusiastic in greeting the horse.
The route we take for our walks is a there-and-back trip. On the way back, we were surprised to see the horse again. A lady in a fancy dress was astride it, and they were attempting to do a photo shoot. As we walked by, the rider commented to the photographer, “There aren’t any dogs now, are there?”
It’s a beautiful spot for a photo shoot, but mixing a horse with many dogs, most likely unfamiliar with horses, is a recipe for disaster.
Nothing untoward happened that I know about, but a lot that could have gone wrong.
There are things in life that just spell potential problems. There are some waterfalls in the area that people regularly ignore the warning sign and scramble out “just a little further” for a photo. Inevitably, someone falls off every few years and must be rescued or drowned. There are avalanche areas where people sneak out snowmobiling, and every year some of them have to be saved, often with some dead among them. I am sure you can think of your own recipes for disaster.
Disobeying the Word of God is a guaranteed way to encounter problems. Even believers who are forgiven their sin face discipline when they walk in disobedience. There are no sins without consequences. The holy and righteous creator of heaven and earth, who has patience beyond measure and is loving, merciful and just, has limits. He will not forever tolerate being rebelled against.
In Deuteronomy, the Law is given to the Israelites again, and they all affirm their desire to adhere to it. They are told in great detail of the blessings that come for obedience (Deuteronomy 28), and the covenant is renewed (Deuteronomy 29). In Deuteronomy 30:1-10 the concept of repentance and forgiveness is reinforced. In the balance of chapter 30, the people of Israel are urged to choose the path of life.
At the end of chapter 30, the people are reminded of the blessing of obedience and the curses for disobedience.
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20
The Lord offers blessings, and to ignore that opportunity is a recipe for things to go badly wrong in our lives and, indeed, for many, for all of eternity.
Life can be hard enough without choosing to rebel.
Choose life. Choose the path of obedience. Any other approach will lead to disaster.
Be Blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2023 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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