THE END-TIME TRAP
When traps are set, being inconspicuous is key as the unsuspecting prey walks right into it without recognizing it. The Bible warns of a trap that will be set for the hearts of all people in the end times.
“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36)
The trap is one of the heart being weighed down so that it cannot rise up to commune with God and find salvation in Christ. It is one where a believing heart can be weighed down and grow cold, losing one’s standing before Jesus, the Son of Man. The strength of this trap is in three things that characterize modern day life.
Dissipation: This word refers to wasteful spending and overindulgence. The technological advances of modern-day world have made available material excesses that can be availed of at the press of a button. And as man indulges his senses, he wants more drawing him deeper into a materialistic lifestyle. Dissipation is the result of an attitude wherein one is not satisfied with the necessities of life. It is a practice of accumulation and indulgence, often driven by pride and comparisons to others. Dissipation needs to be countered by discretion, where one is careful with one’s indulgence and nourishes the attitude of denial.
Drunkenness: Being intoxicated with the things of the world is drunkenness. Drunkenness goes beyond experience of worldly things to one of being dependent on them, so much so that life is dominated by it. This refers not just to alcohol, but gluttony, fashion, gambling, being a devout sports fan and so on. Any experience that begins to dominate a person and that cannot be gotten rid of or put away in obedience to God is drunkenness that weighs the heart down. Drunkenness needs to be countered with moderation and discipline.
Anxieties: As life evolves, responsibilities come up and with them anxieties. Anxiety happens when man sets up for himself goals that are outside the will of God, finds himself short in his effort and worries about the outcome. Anxiety gnaws away at the peace of God that prevails for a disciple. Anxiety needs to be countered by faith in the sufficiency of God and the hope one has in the eternal life in Christ.
As the world hurtles towards the end times, a disciple needs to be aware that this trap is real and remain watchful in prayer so that his heart might remain free to rise up to find union with God.
