“Thou, even Thou, art Lord alone; Thou hast made... the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein.” Nehemiah 9:66Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee. (Nehemiah 9:6).
In the preceding article it was mentioned that puffer fish are loaded with deadly poison. Let’s consider this and its special hazard to those who eat it. One known as the tiger puffer, found along the shores of Japan, provides a good illustration.
In spite of its deadly threat, many people consider a puffer dinner an outstanding treat. This is particularly true of some natives of Japan, where restaurants specializing in “fugu” (as they call it) make very elaborate dinners. High prices are charged, because the preparation can be done only by specially trained chefs who know how to remove the poison. They are also extremely clever in arranging paper-thin slices of the fish on platters so that they look like a sculptured bird, a tree, a flower, or many other designs.
Yet, when the Japanese order these meals, they are aware of the real danger, for no matter how careful the chef may be, it would take only the smallest speck of poison in one’s stomach to bring a rapid and horrifying death, or at the least a terribly painful experience. Why then do they do this at such great expense and danger? Whatever the answer, great amounts of puffer are eaten even though deaths sometimes do result.
Without in any way criticizing our Japanese friends who have their own reasons for this practice, the danger involved reminds us of Satan’s ways in tempting every boy and girl, as well as every grownup, with things in our lives — the things of this world — that are not for our good, but which he makes look appealing. His purpose is to turn us from the goodness and love of God and feed us his “poison,” represented by the world and its attractions. The Apostle John, guided by the Holy Spirit, wrote, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” 1 John 2:15,1615Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (1 John 2:15‑16).
How important it is for us to pay attention to these warnings! The Bible also tells us something better, “The fear [reverence] of the Lord is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold.... Moreover by them is Thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.” Psalms 19:9-119The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. (Psalm 19:9‑11). The Lord is able to guide and protect each one of us and keep us from Satan’s poison.
ML-05/04/1986