Escape the Snare!

Devotional

January 26, 2024
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“And that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” 2 Tim 2:26

This verse, in its context, is where the apostle Paul is instructing Timothy on how to handle disagreements and conflicts within the Christian community. In the preceding verses, Paul talks about the importance of gentleness, patience, and correcting opponents with kindness.

However, this passage suggests that some individuals may have fallen under the influence of the devil, being ensnared in a spiritual trap that hinders their understanding. Paul encourages Timothy to pray for these individuals, hoping that they will “come to their senses” or gain spiritual insight and escape from the snare set by the devil, who seeks to lead them away from God’s truth. The verse highlights the role of prayer and God’s intervention in bringing about repentance and freedom from the influence of the evil one.

This is not the only passage that highlights individuals coming to their senses. Another example is found in Luke 15:17, part of the parable of the prodigal son: “When he [the prodigal son] came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!’“

Salvation is a great escape which we sometimes take for granted. Paul said, “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation” Heb 2:3. Something broke when we came to our senses. The Bible describes our salvation as escaping the snare of the enemy.

“We have escaped like a bird from the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped.” Psa 124:7

Somebody prayed; somebody travailed for your escape from the snare of the devil before you came to your senses. This morning, will you take on the challenges given to Timothy in our text? Pray persistently for someone’s freedom from the snare of the devil.

Paul said, “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you” Gal 4:19 (KJV)

Come on, be the praying mother or father that wouldn’t give up until something happened; be the neighbour that will stand in the gap; be the friend, uncle, or cousin that will plead like Abraham for the Lots of our generation; for the city like Sodom and Gomorrah.

May the spirit of grace and supplication come upon you as you collaborate with the Lord in prayer.