Today’s chapter reminds me of Hansel and Gretel. Did she know she was a pawn in Satan’s hand? The result was the same, “Many are the victims she has brought down…” (26).
10 Then out came a woman to meet him,
dressed like a prostitute…
13 She took hold of him and kissed him
and with a brazen face she said:
14 “Today I fulfilled my vows,
and I have food from my fellowship offering at home.
15 So I came out to meet you;
I looked for you and have found you!
16 I have covered my bed
with colored linens from Egypt.
17 I have perfumed my bed
with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.
18 Come, let’s drink deeply of love till morning;
let’s enjoy ourselves with love!
Notice the progression:
- She was dressed provocatively. Guys are visually tempted.
- She kissed him. She really had his attention now! The kiss was like the first hit on a cigarette or cocaine: it gives an incredible high and wraps the brain receptors around the drug. From that point on, IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DRUG!
- Her words were well-chosen with just the right amount of tease with an enticement of food and wine. She appealed to his stomach, as well!
- She lied to him! He could have been anyone. She was waiting for any unsuspecting soul to come walking by that she could snare. This guy was the (un)lucky one.
- Her den of iniquity was fixed up in such a way that it appealed to his senses: Linens from Egypt, perfumed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. It sounded like a tasty treat and smelled good, too.
- The invitation: “Come, let’s together have some real fun. Never mind that I’m someone else’s wife and property.”
At this point, if the young man (or woman, depending on reverse circumstances) has the Holy Spirit within him, the Spirit says, “NO!” If he desires to please God above Himself, then he will walk away–miserable, of course, for a few minutes, but victorious. But, if he has not settled in his heart who is God, then he is fertile soil for such sinister seed.
21 With persuasive words she led him astray;
she seduced him with her smooth talk. She knew he wanted her. She had him!
22 All at once he followed her He made the decision. It is certainly too late to turn back now–not without outside intervention.
like an ox going to the slaughter,
like a deer stepping into a noose
23 till an arrow pierces his liver [deadly shot],
like a bird darting into a snare,
little knowing it will cost him his life.
Sin makes you go further than you intend to go,
stay longer than you intend to stay,
and pay more than you want to pay.
22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22
We must decide NOW how we will react THEN. We must learn to call on the Holy Spirit at the BEGINNING of the temptation rather than near the END of it. Guarding the way we think will govern how we feel when tempted. If we know that we have a weakness in a certain area, then we STAY AWAY from that certain area, or have someone with us who will keep us accountable. OUTSIDE INTERVENTION is an acceptable option–and a life saver!
Let us:
- Die to self. We died with Christ and went into the grave.
- Live for Him. We are resurrected to walk in newness of life with Him.
This pattern of living is something every faithful Christian does everyday, every hour, every decision. It’s a WAY OF LIFE.
Abba, I pray for my readers that they will take this pattern seriously. They will never get to know You unless they do. Oh, how You want them to know You! But, ultimately, You leave the decision to us. I choose to die to self and live for You. May they do the same. I love You and thank You for Your sacrifice on my behalf. I choose You, Jesus. Reign in my heart as we walk together today. Amen.
In the Master's Hands 