COAL MINE CANARIES

‘The term ‘canary in a coal mine’ is an allusion to caged canaries (birds) that miners would carry down into the mine tunnels with them. If dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide collected in the mine, the gases could kill the canary before killing the miners, thus providing a warning to exit the tunnels immediately.’ (Wikipedia) (Note: They also had oxygen on the cage to revive the bird… sometimes)

There is a second definition of ‘canary in a coal mine’ that has a broader meaning and is simply a mode of expression meaning to provide advance warning of danger.

I’m wondering if there isn’t also a gift of Spiritual Coal Mine Canaries to warn of impending dangers, false teaching and teachers, bogus Coal Mine Churches, warnings concerning politics, media, culture and so forth. I suppose Scripture would call this a word of wisdom, word of knowledge, discernment, or the distinguishing of spirits (between good and evil spirits 1 Corinthians 12:10) or prophecy. We need canaries.

“Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town.” Jesus