Entrapment

Have you ever laid a trap for someone? Did you set it up so that no matter what their answer was they failed? Did you think it was funny? Did it get the other person into serious trouble? Do you sometimes do the same, or at least attempt it, with God?

Sometimes we pull practical jokes on people that have no right answer. It can be funny, so long as no one gets hurt or gets into trouble. However, there are other times when we may lay a trap for someone that will get them into serious trouble. Those are not funny.

We may even do this with God, perhaps without knowing it. For example, when a loved one dies, especially if they are young, we ask God if it was his will or if he simply couldn’t stop it. See the problem with this question? It is an either/or questions and leaves no room for God to explain what really happened. It is understandable on our part. We are hurting, grieving, and may even be experiencing physical pain. We cry out to God and imply fault upon him.

But much like the Pharisees, trying to lay a trap on God is fruitless. They thought they had the perfect trap laid for Jesus. They asked if it was lawful to pay taxes to the emperor. Jesus knew the trap they were laying. God also knows the trap we try to set for him. Attempting to trap God is a foolish endeavor. We are better off asking to understand and see how God is working in the midst of our situation than to ask why with an inference of blame.

There have been situations in my own life that didn’t make sense at the moment. Later, sometimes years later, I understand the significance of that situation and see how God was working and used it to put me where he wanted me. The same applies to every one of us. God does not cause bad things to happen, but he does use them to put us on the path he wants us to be on. We need to seek understanding rather than blame.

I pray we all seek to understand what God is doing in all situations. I pray we ask for God’s wisdom. I pray each one of us stop trying to blame God and instead thank him for always being with us. Seek understanding. See God at work. Ask how he will use a situation. Know he is always with you.

Matthew 22:15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said.