Or can a man walk upon hot coals without scorching his feet? Proverbs 6:28, TLV
Hot! Hot! Hot! I hope you’ll bear with me as we walk through this proverb (pun intended). Firewalking is an ancient ritual done by everyone from shamans, to cultist “Christians,” to executives on retreats.
The original premise was to demonstrate a spiritual authority or a right-of-passage within a tribe. As a community they watch the walker overcome their fears and accomplish the impossible — walk on fire without getting burned.
From this verse, it appears even back in Solomon’s days, people were attempting to gain some type of spiritual power from sources other than the Creator of the Universe.
Still going on . . .
In contemporary times, for something like $500 a pop, executives
can follow self-help gurus down a sparky path of “empowerment” and “team-building.”
From the research I’ve done — which is admittedly limited — the firewalking is staged with safety measures to “insure” there are no lawsuits. Very often, the coals or wood embers used in fire walking have a low heat capacity. Sweat produced on the bottom of people’s feet also helps form a protective water vapor. All of this together makes it possible, if moving quickly enough — but not too quickly — to walk across hot coals without getting burned.
So, is it a scam? What do you think?
Let’s go back to the context of this verse. The whole point of this warning is to emphasize the foolishness of getting involved with a married person or prostitute. Why in the world would anyone do something so foolish? One thing is for certain, it’s a choice.
Where I am going with this . . .
So, here’s where I am landing. The very fact that there are practices in place that justify the foolishness of walking upon hot coals — that people actually pay for the opportunity — is further proof that the world will always attempt to undermine the wisdom of GOD.
“You don’t need to worry about the effects of sin — just walk fast!”
It’s heartbreaking. If there were real fire, real white coals, then those “firewalkers” would have scorched tootsies that would require medical attention and a very good lawyer.
The reality, there are real consequences from sin. Real and painful. Whatever science or “spiritual” insights that say otherwise are scams of the worst kind.
When we know the truth, when we know the dangerous repercussions, shouldn’t we warn others? I’m not talking about politics or editorializing or preaching. I’m talking about Biblical principles that set us free. That speak of the goodness and mercy and salvation of a holy GOD who hates sins but loves us.
I have seen marriages become stronger after infidelity. Only because of GOD’s forgiveness and healing through counseling. It is possible.
If there is someone in your life that you have been praying for, that you have a close relationship with, and our Heavenly Father opens the door to share this warning, then please, my friends, do it. Don’t let them walk on those hot coals — guide them to the Living Waters.
