Oct 09 – The Net and Unity!

“Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.” (Proverbs 1:17)

When the Lord gave King Solomon great wisdom, he spoke about animals, birds, creeping things, and fish (1 Kings 4:33). If someone wants to catch a bird, it would be pointless to spread a net openly in front of it, because the bird would simply avoid it.

In the same way, Satan does not usually spread his nets openly before our feet. He works through subtle and hidden traps. He presents attractive desires and enticements before us. Some people, unaware of Satan’s schemes, fall into his traps and consequently suffer much pain.

There is an old story about a flock of pigeons that used to feed together in a particular place. A hunter observed where they regularly gathered. He scattered grain there and secretly spread a net. The pigeons, unaware of the danger, came down to eat and were caught in the net. However, the pigeons devised a plan among themselves. They decided that when the hunter came, they would pull the net together with all their strength and fly away as one. They did exactly that. They escaped and flew to a mouse, which gnawed through the net and set them free.

When God’s children come together in prayer, a way of escape can be found from the power and snares of Satan.

If someone becomes trapped in a snare or falls into the mire of sin, the others should come together, bear the burden, pray for that person, and help lift them out. The Bible says: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)

We are members of the household of God, sheep of His pasture, and heirs of His promises. Jesus is our Elder Brother. He is a Brother who is more loving, compassionate, tender, and affectionate than even an earthly brother. Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers (Hebrews 2:11).

Those who do the will of our heavenly Father are the brothers and sisters of the Lord (Matthew 12:50). Those who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ are brothers and sisters in the family of God. They belong to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven (Hebrews 12:23). And the Lord continues to add those who are being saved to His Church (Acts 2:47).

Children of God, never neglect the gathering together of the Church—the fellowship of your brothers and sisters (Hebrews 10:25). “Let us gather together and pray; Let us trample Satan under our feet; Let us possess the land God has given us!”

When God’s children live in unity and in the fellowship of love, we can accomplish great things for the Lord. We can stand together against the schemes of the enemy and escape all his nets and snares.

Verse for further meditation: “Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers.” (Psalm 124:7)