Fleeing From Danger
Proverbs 22:3
The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
It was right at dark and there were just a few minutes left to hunt. I could hear crunching in the snow behind me. The footsteps were coming closer and in a moment the deer would be within 10- 15 yards to my left... perfect for a shot with my longbow. I wasn't moving... but my muscles were tensing and ready to draw. Just then the buck stopped, then turned and trotted off for no apparent reason.
Often when deer sense something isn't right, they will magically disappear. They don't stand around looking to see what has given them that 'gut feeling' but instead they run for their life. Their Creator has given them an instinct to survive, so they immediately flee from anything they perceive to be a threat.
In Genesis 39 we read of one of my favorite Biblical personalities, Joseph. This is where he feels that something isn't right, and he flees from the situation. Potiphar's wife attempted to trap him, Joseph knew it was wrong and he fled.
In Matthew 10:23 Jesus advised His followers to escape physical persecution and flee from danger.
The Bible generally cautions against relying solely on emotions or "gut feelings" in decision-making, but instead, scripture suggests we weigh that initial feeling against godly wisdom and good counsel. When we do get that "gut feeling", the best approach to avoiding the danger or evil, is to immediately remove ourselves from the situation and then actively pursue what is good. In 1 Timothy 6:11 we read, "But as for you, man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness."
By Dean Hulce and Joel Raygor
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