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 thinking 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.

Today

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 law suits. 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?

Context

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 woman 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. 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.

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.

Think More About It

Have you ever tried to walk on hot coals? Have you ever led someone off those coals?

If this blog has been a blessing, please share. Thank you so much!

Until tomorrow, may we guide others to Living Waters and avoid those hot coals, my friends.

Please continue to pray for Israel and the rising anti-Semitism around the world. God bless you!