Proverbs 1:8-9 It does no good to spread a net when the bird you want to catch is watching, but people like that are setting a trap for themselves, a trap in which they will die.

Trap is laid, ignorant birds are victimised.

In many circumstances, when someone wants to catch a bird, he will place a trap in the absence of the bird so that when the bird steps on it, it is trapped beyond escape.

The bird is caught because it is not aware of the trap. In fact the trap is placed where the bird customarily feeds. It will be useless to lay the trap in full sight of the bird. Unless the bird is ignorant, it will endeavour not to even go near the place where the trap is laid.

Most people in this era are like the ignorant bird. Despite the framework, beyond which no God-fearing person, can shun; they persistently repudiate.

As Christians, many stories of people who were warned of the tremendous effect of rejecting God’s own commanđ, have been recorded in the Bible. These people were informed and even re-informed. But because of their pride, arrogance and ignorance, they decided to disobey. The repercussions were terriffic.

As a proof, let’s look at some of them.

Solomon

Solomon was King David’s son. Before the death of David, he called Solomon and gave the fundamental principles to guide him during his reign. He said, “Be confident and determined, and do what the Lord your God orders you to do. Obey all his laws and commands… So that whenever you go, you may prosper in everything you do.” (1Kings 2:2-3). As if that’s not enough, Solomon received confirmation from God Himself. He said, “And if you obey me and keep my laws and commands…, I will give you long life.” (1 Kings 3:14) It was clear that the moment Solomon would disobey God, his long life would be cut short.

Despite all these assurance and commands, Solomon decided to turn away from God. Because of the great wealth he was blessed with, he married many women, in fact he intermarried with even tribes which God prohibted them from intermarrying with. Thus he broke God’s command. He not only had 700 wives, but also 300 concubines. Furthermore, the women introduced idolatry in the holy nation of Israel. Solomon went a notch higher and he was led by these very women to worship the foreign gods. (1Kings 11:4) He broke the second commandment. What a surprise!

What did God do? He stirred up revolt against Solomon. The revolt led to Kingdom being taken away from him except one tribe for the sake of the righteous David. It did not stop there. Solomon died soon after the revolt. Look at how serious it is to disobey God.

Nebuchadnezzar

This was the king of the great Babylon. He was a great King, rulling the most powerful kingdom by then. King Nebuchadnezzar had two dreams which forecasted what was going to be of him in near future. The interpreter, Daniel, always informed him in the course of his interpretation, how he was to pass the tests he was to encounter. In his last dream, as explained by Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar was to be driven away from human society and he would live with wild animals for seven years until he admits that Supreme God controls all human kingdoms. He was warned to stop sinning, to do what’s right and be merciful to the poor. (Daniel 4:24-27).
This command was very simple to any ordinary man, but not to this king. Only twelve months had passed when king Nebuchadnezzar fell into the trap. Due to pride, he exalted himself. He showed himself off of how he had built Babylon by his own power, might, glory and majesty. (Daniel 4:30). Immediately afterwards, the dream came true. The angel appeared just as he had seen in his dream, and he lost his kingship. He was driven to the wilderness. He ate grass like ox. (Daniel 4:33).

Ananias and Sapphira

These were a couple during apostles’ times. The believers came into a consencus that everyone who owned something was to sell it and turn it over to the apostles. The money would then be distributed according to the needs of the people. (Acts 4:34-35) This act would support God’s work to spread the the Good News to other parts of the world according to Acts 1:8. Ananias and Sapphira were among those who agreed to sell their piece of property for the same.

However, Ananias, with his wife’s full knowledge, kept back part of the money for himself. No doubt; Ananias had read from Old Testament that dishonesty is a sin. And later recorded by Paul that “wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23). He was aware of it! What did they expect after such an act? His dishonesty costed his life. Not only his, but also his wife’s. The woman was quite aware that her husband’s deed was not right. But she did not bother telling him. So they all perished.

Friends, it costs much to disobey God’s command. His commands point to us the trap laid just before us in our full sight. They are not hidden to anyone. Going against God’s command will make you fall into devil’s snare which will cost you as much as your dear life. God’s commands are not difficult to keep. He Himself assures us, “The command I’m giving you today is not too difficult or beyond your reach. It is not up to the sky, you do not have to ask, ‘Who will go up and bring it down for us, so that we can hear it and obey it?’ (Deuteronomy 30:11-12) Obedience of God’s commands is an outward symbol that we love God. Jesus states that “If you love me, keep my commandments.”

From the few people we’ve studied, we have confirmed that even God Himself pleaded with them to keep His commandnent, but they chose to disobey. We are not exceptions. Do you expect God Himself to appear to you in person and declare that stealing, fornication drunkedness, telling lies, not defiling the Sabbath, lust, abuse, idol worshipping, smoking, murder, are sin? Is that what you are waiting for? All you need are clearly stated in the scriptures. If you decide to disobey, then you’ll follow suit. Like ignorant bird, you will not escape the trap.

Brethren, it is high-time we take heed everything we have heard. That little sin you cling onto so dearly will be the cause of your downfall.

Up to this point you’ve identified something that will hinder you from having personal experience with your saviour. It’s never too late for you to surrender all to him and declare to him that you have come back. No matter how far you’ve wandered away from God, He is still faithful to anyone who confesses his sin sincerely. Time is coming when only those who are submissive to God’s laws will be able to withstand the tribulations and emerge victorious.

Keep pressing on. Ask God’s guidance and shun all evils from your way. God’s love for you is paramount, and Jesus Himself waits to crown you with a golden crown at the end of the journey. Also, mind sharing the light you’ve received with others. There is pleasure in sharing.

God bless you as you meditate upon this message.