Lures in Disguise

Some of the fondest memories I have as a child were of our fishing trips with dad. Ice fishing was hands down my favorite.

It was usually an all-day event.

My mom would pack us a lunch box filled with lunch and snacks and a large warm thermos of tea that we eagerly looked forward to.  

 

Upon arrival, my father strait away would set out to set up his lures. He scattered them as far apart as he could.

I remember, most exciting for me was laying down with my belly on the ice and watching the lure through the hole in the ice. Part of me wished for my father to land a big catch, but the other part earnestly pitied the fish.  

 

At times, I watched in child-like horror as the fish would innocently inspect and nibble at the disguised lure.  

 

Weekends and holidays on the lake were the busiest. The ice was covered in lures. “What a terrible day to be a fish!” I thought, in my child-like mind. “It's simply a matter of time, for you my friends!” 

 

Some time has passed since.  

 

But I can’t help but compare the world and its lures to the vulnerable fish I so vividly remember.    

 

The Bible sternly warns us that unless we put our focus on Jesus, its but a matter of time that we land on a lure in disguise.  

 

Moses of the OT once left clear instructions of the coming Christ.  

 

The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you.... it shall be that every soul that does not listen to that prophet shall be utterly destroyed... (Acts 3:22-23 NKJV) 

 

Notice “every soul that does not listen shall be destroyed” 

 

Putting your focus on Jesus, means listening to what he says. It’s our only safeguard against the lures of this world.  

 

Personally, I hear him best when I consistently take the time to read his word.  

 

Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words..., and keep those things which are written in it;  (Re. 1:3 NKJV) 

 

 

 

Supporting Text  

 

You have made people like the fish in the sea,…The wicked foe pulls all of them up with hooks, he catches them in his net,…(Hab. 1:14-15)

For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, ... Their mind is set on earthly things. (Phi. 3:18-19)