SKANDALON
Many years ago, I had the pleasure to go bird-hunting. I did not shoot a gun then, but shot a camera. It was a beautiful crisp fall day, the men whom I was with hunted with springer spaniels. We were on a preserve, and all the birds were 'planted'. All my friends had to do was to let the dogs go, the hunters were to point and shoot - ready and waiting for the doomed birds to take flight. Ah, the thrills of the snares of the fowler. In Greek, a most powerful word describes the trap, the snare - SKANDALON. There are similar words in Hebrew to describe this trap - pach is to trap, and mokesh is the trap. But this word skandalon, is much stronger in Greek. When looking into Zodhiates concordance, it states: Skandalon A trap, stick, snare, stumbling block. The trigger in the trap on which the bait is placed and that springs the trap when it is touched by the animal, causing the trap to close. Skandalon always denotes enticement or occasion leading to conduct which brings
with it the ruin of the person in question. Ta Skandala are things which lead others to turn away from God's salvation and thus come to ruin. We can think of many in the 21st century who have found themselves as 'captured bait". There is one outstanding example of which I wish to dwell a bit on. This man was a godly man, one who was at birth, dedicated to God. The Spirit of God was upon him, and his actions showed that God was with him.
His name was Samson; Delilah was his 'skandalon'. Samson's strength was not in his muscles or his hair, but that the Spirit of God was upon him. His hair was a token of his vow of obedience with God, and an outward sign of his godly devotion. And this man, this Godly Spiritual man, after being taunted by this beautiful woman, revealed his secrets to her. He was caught in the trap. We as believers must too be alert, that we do not share our secrets with non-believers, or others who may be a 'ta skandala' towards us. "Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. Eph 5:15 "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the powers against the world forces of this darkness against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Eph 6:12 Remember that "Greater is HE who is in you than he that is in the world." I John 4:4 "The LORD will accomplish that which concerns you." Ps.138:8a "And who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus, Yeshua is the Son of God?" I John 5:5 "We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding, in order that we might know Him who is true, and we are in Him, who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach. This is the True God and eternal life." I John 5:19-20