Regardless of whether you realize it or not, Bible idioms are pervasive in our everyday language.
The Blind Leading The Blind
How many times have we used that phrase? This idiom was one of my favorites when my kids were growing up. I used it to make a point for becoming leaders not followers. This verse comes from the book of Matthew 15:14. Jesus used this analogy to lead his disciples away from the erroneous teaching of the Pharisees.
Matthew 15:14 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
14 Let them alone; they are blind guides (of the blind). If a blind person leads a blind person, both will fall into a pit.”
The blind leading the blind is in reference to incompetent people being led by incompetent people.
No Rest For The Wicked
We should all understand what this verse represents. Despite every effort, you will get caught in the tangle of webs you created. A wicked person’s mind is always tormented. No one ever escapes the wrath of God. Our Lord will hand you a rope for your rescue; the choice is yours; you can choose to escape by confessing your sins or let go of the rope and fall into your own pit. God does not want us to fail, but our free will gets many by thinking once you open the door to sin, it can easily close. Furthermore when sin is attached to your soul it’s a lot deeper than you think. It’s only through deep repentance and prayer that you can dig your way out of this sin.
Isaiah 57:20-21 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
20 But the wicked are like the tossing sea which cannot be still, Its waters cast up mire and mud. 21 There is no peace for the wicked! says my God.
Wicked people will be exposed for their sins; if something was done against you or your family, you will witness their downfall. As much as you want to celebrate, it’s time to pray for them to get right with God.
Go The Extra Mile
Going the extra mile simply means doing more than is required of you.
Last Friday we had breakfast with a relative who is going through chemo therapy treatments at the City of Hope. I wanted to share some photos that a friend posted on social media. After many attempts to use the wifi I could not get on. A kind waitress patiently walked me through the steps, and after a few minutes I was able to share the photos. This waitress went the extra mile to help me.
Matthew 5:41 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
The Good Samaritans, Larry and Helen
41 Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles.
The Good Samaritan
A Good Samaritan is one who help someone in need and does not expect anything in return. ( Luke 10:25-37)
Last month we were meeting our friends Larry and Helen for dinner. This particular restaurant was right around the corner from both our homes. Larry and Helen’s home is closer than ours so it was surprising that we arrived first. We waited a few minutes to be seated then I received a text message from Helen, “Go ahead and order an appetizer. We’re running a little late.” Meanwhile it took another half an hour before they arrived.
On their way to the restaurant they witnessed a lone biker take a serious fall going downhill. They pulled over to help the stranger. The man was from out-of-state and decided to take a bike ride.
As a result of the accident, the man was pretty banged up and his bike was inoperable. Larry loaded his bike onto his vehicle and drove the man to his car. The grateful stranger thanked them profusely and offered them money, but Larry and Helen refused to take any reward.
The Holy Spirit will guide our good deeds; on this particular day three people were blessed: the Good Samaritans (Larry and Helen) and the stranger. This man will never forget the kind acts of Larry and Helen.
The Handwriting On Wall
The handwriting on the wall is a warning that disaster or danger is near. You will not be able to avoid it.
When this message was written, it was near a lamp stand so that King Belshazzar could clearly see it. The only person in the kingdom who could interpret its meaning was Daniel. Daniel explains that it was “sent out” by the hand of God. (Daniel 5:5-12)
The message was clearly for Belshazzar, the Chaldean King because he was slain later that night.
These types of warnings are not to be taken lightly. The handwriting on the wall may give you an opportunity to avoid imminent disaster. For this reason warnings give us an opportunity to change the wrong direction we are headed. God always makes a way for us to repent and return to Him.
Can a Leopard Change Its Spots?
Even though nothing is impossible with God, sometimes because of stubbornness you can’t change the nature of a human.
When evil people have it in their spirits to commit an evil act, nothing will change their minds. They have surrendered all to the Enemy, and their evil nature will guide their dark spirit to sin.
Jeremiah 13:23 New American Bible (Revised Edition)
23 Can Ethiopians change their skin, leopards their spots? As easily would you be able to do good, accustomed to evil as you are.
I will never waste my time attempting to convince others that they are wrong in their thinking. I do not want people to agree or think like me; I’d rather they be led by the Holy Spirit in their beliefs. Believe me when I say God is always correcting my flawed behavior and redirecting me to holiness. Only God can change a reprobate mind.
My Prayer
Dear Lord, I pray for all who are going through cancer treatments. Heavenly Father, in their darkest hour reveal Yourself to them and offer them hope and healing. Lord, I pray for all world leaders to fall on their knees and humbly seek Your great counsel. Lord, heal the brokenhearted and comfort them in their hour of need. Jesus, You have all the answers to all of our needs. Amen.
