WAYS OF ESCAPE (2)

“OUR SOUL has ESCAPED as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and WE HAVE ESCAPED” – Psalm 124:7

GOD will make WAYS OF ESCAPE for His people, from all evil: “OUR SOUL has ESCAPED as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and WE HAVE ESCAPED” (Psa.124:7). David found and followed God-ordained Ways of Escape. He testified in this psalm, how we can escape from workers of wickedness who “would have swallowed us alive, when their wrath was kindled against us” (v.3). We serve “the LORD, Who has not given us as a prey to their teeth” (v.6).

God provides ways of escape from all kinds of danger. David would have been long forgotten if Saul’s spear had pinned him to the wall: “And it happened on the next day that the distressing spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied inside the house. So David played music with his hand, as at other times; but there was a spear in Saul’s hand. ¹¹ And Saul cast the spear, for he said, “I will pin David to the wall!” But DAVID ESCAPED his presence twice” (1Sam.18:10-11). The God who guaranteed that David escaped from Saul’s spear or javelin – God of David – reigns supreme. By His Grace and Mercy, we have escaped the assault of adversaries threatening to swallow us alive, the wrath of the wicked, the overwhelming waters, and the soul-submerging stream, floods of swollen waters, teeth of the terrible, and snare of the fowlers (vv.3-7).

Again, the Bible says, “So Saul returned from pursuing David and went to meet the Philistines; therefore they called that place the ROCK of ESCAPE” (1Sam.23:28). Elsewhere, David prayed to escape from snares and traps: “Keep me from the SNARES they have laid for me, and from the TRAPS of the workers of iniquity. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I ESCAPE easily” (Psa.141:9). God has ordered our escape from snares, traps, and nets. Paul wrote about those who “may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will” (2Tim.2:26).

Beyond temptations, snares, traps, and nets, we as believers must actualise our escape from worldly pollution and death.

We have escaped from the world’s corruption: “by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having ESCAPED the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2Pet.1:4). Having escaped “the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” we must not again be entangled in or overcome by them (2Pet.2:20). Lot and his family were commanded: “Escape for your life! Do not look behind you, and do not stay anywhere in the valley; escape to the mountains, or you will be swept away” (Gen.19:17). God is giving similar command to our generation of Believers: “Escape to the mountains – to Zion”!

We have escaped from death: “Our God is the God of salvation; and to God the belong ESCAPES from death” (Psa.68:20). David affirmed: “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD” (Psa.118:17). How about you and I? When the wall of death almost swallowed up Hezekiah, turning to the Wall of Prayer became his Escape Route: “Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall and prayed to the LORD” (Isa.38:1-2). Hezekiah escaped premature death and had increased lifespan: “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will add to your days fifteen years” (Isa.38:5b).  

“GOD is FAITHFUL, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the Way of Escape” (1 Cor.10:13b). God is too faithful to fail us; too dependable to disappoint. He will always make Ways of Escape for us. God is not a distant spectator merely watching us fumble along through life. He cares and doesn't want us to be overcome by evil or wickedness. He wants Victory for us in every battle against sin, Satan, the flesh, and the world!