Words from the Rock
The world is in for trouble because of the way it causes people to sin. There will always be something to cause people to sin, but anyone who does this will be in for trouble.
Matthew 18:7 CEV
Jesus gives everyone a stern warning here. He points out that the world in general is in trouble for the way it trips people up. However, this isn’t anything new, and it’s not all that surprising that Jesus is fed up. He’s had run-ins with Satan from the very beginning. In fact, the reason Jesus has come to earth is to equip people to stand against the evil garbage Satan hurls at the planet on a daily basis. Even so, Jesus knows this kind of thing will continue after his earthly ministry ends. He also knows that Satan’s attacks against Jesus’s followers will only strengthen their commitment to God.
But Jesus’s warning goes beyond saying that Satan will get his. This warning is similar to cautioning people not to harm children, but this time Jesus advises anyone who would purposely try to trip up someone else to watch out. Think about it—haven’t we all done this a time or two?
In other words, Jesus is probably warning everyone. We all need to remember that sometimes a very small or seemingly insignificant thing we do could cause someone else to stumble. It could be a bad choice, refusing to listen, or being in the wrong place at the wrong time—and taking a friend along with you. Suddenly it all comes down, and you’re in the hot seat with someone else pointing the finger at you. Jesus is saying not to go there. It’s bad enough when you make a mistake that causes you to suffer. It’s far worse when you drag someone else down with you.
My Prayer
Dear God,
Please help me never to trip someone else up. And if I do hurt someone, help me to quickly make things right and to learn from my mistake.
Amen.
Final Word
I’ve loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done—kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in his love.
John 15:9–10 Message
Stone for the Journey
I will watch my step when it comes to my life and how I lead others.