Snakes are deaf.
Not so, we say. Snake charmers blow their flutes, and the snake is charmed. We’ve seen it happen.
Ah, but the truth is, snakes don’t have ears. They might pick up vibrations through the soil, but they are really and truly deaf.
It’s not sound that charms the snake. It’s all about swaying seductively before the snake’s eyes. The snake charmer sways, and the snake rises into the air, charmed by the movement, not the sound.
What charms us? Do we watch the swaying of the world, or follow after Christ?
1 Peter 5:8 tells us our enemy will turn on us when we least expect it.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
Romans 6:23 reveals that we choose the direction we sway.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 3:23 says every man responds to one charmer or another.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
John 16:33 tempts us with the flute of Christ.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 14:6 says the world will entrap us, but Jesus is freedom.
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ ”
John 3:16-17 is an image too beautiful to behold, one that can charm the worst of sinners to turn to God.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
It sometimes seems as if humanity is truly deaf to the entreaties of the cross. We call out Jesus’ promise of salvation, and people go about their business, ignoring every word. We can be assured that one day, Jesus will return, and the world will be charmed by him. His glory will be too beautiful to ignore.
When Jesus makes a move, true believers copy his every motion, creating a dance that’s mesmerizing to the world.
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