The Walking Dead

Day Twenty-Two

The Walking Dead  (Read Proverbs 9:13-18)

We became what we are! And that's just it. THAT'S what it comes down to. You people need to learn what we are.

We're surrounded by the DEAD. We're among them -- and when we finally give up, we become them! We're living on borrowed time here.

Don't you get it? We ARE the Walking Dead! WE are the walking dead." ~ Robert Kirkman

You might be reading this and wondering who "The Walking Dead" and Robert Kirkman are. In January 2010, AMC Television ordered a pilot for The Walking Dead, based on the comic book written and produced by Robert Kirkman. The show shared the same name and was developed by Frank Darabont and Gale Anne Hurd. Andrew Lincoln was cast as Rick Grimes. The show premiered on October 31, 2010. The Walking Dead became known as AMC's flagship series and a ratings juggernaut.

Series Overview: The Walking Dead takes place after the onset of a worldwide zombie apocalypse. The zombies, referred to as "walkers," shamble toward living humans and other creatures to eat them. They are attracted to noise and scents, especially the smell of humans. They can't help themselves; they are attracted to the voice of darkness like a moth to a flame.

Today's Scripture reading mimics "The Walking Dead." You have two voices presented in Proverbs 9: #1. Ms. Wisdom (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) #2. Ms. Folly  (Satan). Today's study focuses on #2: Ms. Folly, a.k.a. Satatn.

Folly Calls for a Hearing

¹³ The woman named Folly is brash.
    She is ignorant and doesn't know it.
¹⁴ She sits in her doorway
    on the heights overlooking the city.
¹⁵ She calls out to men going by
    who are minding their own business.
¹⁶ "Come in with me," she urges the simple.
    To those who lack good judgment, she says,
¹⁷ "Stolen water is refreshing;
    food eaten in secret tastes the best!"
¹⁸ But little do they know that the dead are there.
    Her guests are in the depths of the grave.

 The University of Foolishness has campuses all around the world. Ms. Folly does not need to advertise or market her services; people are attracted to her, like "The Walking Dead" are attracted to noise and smells. Humans are attracted to power (control), glory (self-obsession), and the pleasures of darkness. Suppose you choose to earn your degree from the University of Foolishness. In that case, you will study with the dead, live among the dead, become the dead, perish in the grave of darkness, and experience separation for eternity. Ms. Folly herself is the Dean of this university, the gravedigger, and the keeper of the grave.

 Choosing to accept God's invitation to follow him seems foolish. When we look around, people live on self-propulsion, lavishing in sinful pleasures, and under the delusion that they will extract a hefty return on investment if they navigate and manage life well. Ms. Folly promises happiness but delivers misery; she promises life but produces death. Ms. Wisdom, on the other hand, says come to me, you'll find rest, follow me, and live forever.

 The "foundation [or beginning] of wisdom" is the "fear of the Lord." And the beginning of wisdom, according to the apostle Paul, often appears foolish to "those who are headed to the depths of the grave." Why? Because "the message of the cross" seems like a message of weakness when it is actually "the very power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18-20).

 Are you currently attending the University of Foolishness? You are encouraged to withdraw from the School of Darkness and enroll in the University of Salvation. The best news ever is you don't have to apply; everyone is accepted; the only requirement is accepting the invitation and climbing out of the grave. You will have access to the most outstanding teacher and excellent tutor ever.

What are you waiting for? Grab your stuff, climb out of the grave, head toward the light, and you'll genuinely be happy, joyous, and free, not only in this life but in the hereafter.