Traps in the Bible - How the Biblical Authors Convict

Traps in the Bible - How the Biblical Authors Convict

In this insightful Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, community pastor Matthew Vander Els explores the fascinating ways in which the authors of the Bible intentionally crafted their narratives to do more than just tell stories. He suggests that these inspired writers, whom he describes as literary geniuses, embedded "traps" within their texts. These traps are designed to lead readers into certain assumptions and feelings, only to reveal a deeper truth that often requires self-reflection and repentance. Vander Els emphasizes that understanding these nuances, which can sometimes be lost in translation, allows for a richer and more impactful engagement with the biblical text.

The Trap in the Story of Jonah

The first trap discussed centers on the well-known story of Jonah. Vander Els points out that many people are familiar with a simplified version, perhaps even the VeggieTales rendition, which often misses the story's central message. He explains that scholars debate the genre of Jonah, with some suggesting it's a historical narrative, while others, like Walter Bergman, term it a "parable narrative." This means the events and details are intentionally arranged to convey a specific lesson. Professor Tim Mackey even characterizes Jonah as a "dark comedy" due to its ironic and sometimes exaggerated tone.

Vander Els highlights the humor and irony from the beginning of the story. Jonah, whose name means "faithful dove," is commanded to go to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, a brutal enemy of Israel. This sets up an immediate conflict: a holy man of God being sent to bring a message of repentance to his nation's oppressors. Instead of obeying, Jonah runs in the opposite direction, going down to Joppa and boarding a ship to Tarshish – symbolically moving further and further away from God. The author emphasizes Jonah going "down" repeatedly, even to the lowest parts of the ship, illustrating his desire to distance himself from God's mission.

As the story unfolds, a great storm arises, and the pagan sailors, more spiritually aware than Jonah at this point, question him. When Jonah reveals he is a Hebrew who fears the Lord but is fleeing from Him, the sailors are terrified. Ironically, while Jonah refuses to repent, the pagan sailors offer sacrifices to God. Even while swallowed by a giant fish, Jonah composes a psalm, showcasing a level of comfort in his self-imposed exile.

Eventually, Jonah delivers a remarkably short, five-word sermon to Nineveh: "Forty days and Nineveh will be overthrown." Surprisingly, the entire city, from the king down to the animals, repents. This outcome deeply upsets Jonah, who is furious that his enemies received God's grace instead of His wrath. The story concludes with God questioning Jonah's compassion for a plant that provided him shade versus his lack of compassion for the vast population of Nineveh who were ignorant of God's ways.

The trap, Vander Els argues, is for the reader to righteously condemn Jonah for his disobedience and lack of compassion. The moment we feel superior to Jonah, we miss the point. The question God poses to Jonah – "Should not I pity Nineveh?" – is also directed at us. Are we willing to extend God's love and mercy to our own "enemies"? Are we finding excuses to avoid sharing the good news of God's forgiveness and love? The story, likely written after the Babylonian exile, would have been particularly convicting for the returning Israelites, challenging them to show mercy even to those who had wronged them.

Application for Everyday Life (Jonah):

• Examine your own heart for any resentment or lack of compassion towards those you consider your enemies.
• Reflect on whether you are actively sharing God's message of mercy and love with others, even those you find difficult.
• Be mindful of finding justifications for avoiding God's calling in your life.

The Trap in the Parable of the Tax Collector and the Pharisee

The second trap discussed is found in Jesus' parable of the tax collector and the Pharisee in Luke chapter 18. Vander Els explains that Jesus uses this story to address those who frequently look down on others, considering themselves more righteous. Pharisees were generally seen as religious leaders who meticulously followed the Torah. In contrast, tax collectors were Jewish individuals who worked for the Roman Empire, often extorting their own people, making them widely despised.

The parable depicts two men going to the temple to pray. The Pharisee stands apart and boasts to God about his righteousness: he is not like other sinners, including the nearby tax collector; he fasts twice a week and tithes diligently. The tax collector, on the other hand, stands at a distance, humbly beating his chest and praying, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner." Jesus declares that the tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified before God.

Vander Els highlights the trap embedded in this familiar story. As readers, we naturally empathize with the humble tax collector and likely view the Pharisee as self-righteous and arrogant. We might even thank God that we are not like the Pharisee. However, at the very moment we look down on the Pharisee and feel superior, we fall into the same trap of self-righteous judgment. We become the Pharisee in the story by judging the Pharisee. This parable serves as a powerful paradox of self-reflection, urging us to humble ourselves and avoid looking down on others, even those we perceive as sinners or oppressors. True righteousness comes from God's mercy, not from comparing ourselves favorably to others.

Application for Everyday Life (The Parable of the Tax Collector and the Pharisee):

• Be aware of any tendencies to compare yourself to others and feel superior based on your perceived righteousness or good deeds.
• Cultivate humility and recognize your own need for God's mercy.
• Judge others with righteousness, focusing on biblical standards, rather than with self-righteousness, based on your own perceived superiority.

The Trap in the Reign of King Solomon

The final trap discussed revolves around the seemingly glorious reign of King Solomon, as described in 1 Kings 9 and 10. Initially, the biblical author presents Solomon as the most successful king of Israel, highlighting his secure borders, peace treaties, strong army, and the building of the first temple. This creates a sense of excitement and admiration for Solomon's achievements. However, Vander Els points out that this is the peak before Israel's decline.

The narrative subtly reveals a dark undercurrent to Solomon's success. 1 Kings 9:15 mentions the "forced labor that King Solomon drafted to build the house of the Lord and his own house." This detail is jarring, as it reveals that the temple to Yahweh, the God who freed Israel from slavery, was built using slave labor. Furthermore, the text specifies that Solomon enslaved the remaining people from weaker nations while exempting the Israelites, turning them into a military force. This contradicts Israel's calling to be a light to all nations, ambassadors of God's kingdom, and bearers of His image.

Application for Everyday Life (The Reign of King Solomon):

• Critically evaluate the sources of success and prosperity, both in your own life and in the wider world.
• Prioritize God's values of justice, mercy, and compassion over worldly measures of success like wealth and power.
• Be mindful of how your actions might contribute to the exploitation or marginalization of others, even unintentionally.

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