“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he won’t give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? Or if he asks for an egg, he won’t give him a scorpion, will he? " Luke 11:11-12 WEB
I had opportunities to meet all types of natural predators while growing up camping in Texas. My parents wanted me to enjoy the beauty and wonder of nature. They didn’t keep me confined to the safety of the camper. This meant I would eventually encounter danger. Although it’s hard to face, a smart parent prepares their child for dangerous situations. During our nature walks, my father worked hard, drilling the safety and precautionary actions into my brain. He didn’t want me hurt, but God cared even more. However, an unseen God can feel distant and uncaring. Jesus wants us to see how close He is by comparing and contrasting Him with our earthly dads.
"You shall walk in all the way which Yahweh your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess." Deuteronomy 5:33 WEB
Fishing Worms & Scorpion Stings
The cool dirt underneath a big rock was the best place to hunt fat fishing worms. The problem was that scorpions also love hiding from the Texas heat under those rocks. Before I could walk in the woods without an adult, I took several with the family. That’s when my father taught me how to lift the rocks safely. He did this first by demonstrating with narration and then narrating as I did it. I could eventually lift those rocks independently under his watchful eye. I gained wisdom and courage under each rock as I encountered worms, spiders, bugs, and scorpions. It gave me respect for nature and the confidence to deal with whatever I find on my own. God doesn’t keep us away from the dangers and cruelties of this world. He also gives us wisdom and guidance to keep us safe and courageous.
"The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly." John 10:10 WEB
Getting Out of the Camper
Our body and mind instinctively desire safety, a built-in automatic trait that keeps us alive. Challenging this instinct is vital if we want to do more than survive. Jesus wants us to embrace an abundant life. This is impossible if we stay in the safe confines of our figurative campers. More than anyone, He knows there are scorpions under rocks for us to face. He wants to guide and prepare us through His word and with examples from His wisdom on earth. Like my dad had me walk with Him as He prepared me to face danger, God also desires the same. Unlike human dads, He is the perfect Father. He doesn’t leave us alone to fend for ourselves but wants us to walk with Him and learn from Him. We learn lessons in courage as we face the dangers with Him guiding us to live an abundant life.
"...teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 20:19-20
