Dec 31 - Today from Proverbs 31 we look at verse 13
"She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands."
As is my custom when looking at this portion of Proverbs 31, I couple today's verse with that of Ephesians 5:31, 32, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery - but I am talking about Christ and the church." Although the principles of Proverbs 31:10-31 hold true in the development of a wife of noble character, for our studies purposes I choose to view them as great principles of ministry for the church.
The principle for the ministering church in today's verse is this: The church is constantly looking for opportunities in the 'raw materials' around her, and eagerly working to see them transformed into useful products. This activity clearly takes an attribute that we call an 'outward focus'. As we contemplate the elements of the analogy between the Proverbs and Ephesians passages, we can conclude that the wool and the flax were not simply lying on a counter in the home. The wife either harvested the raw materials herself, or she purchased them in the marketplace. In either case, she had to go outside of the home to find the materials. There was commitment and effort involved.
When Jesus set the example in ministry for His disciples, He did not spend all of His time in the synagogues and the temple. He taught and preached in those places, and occasionally ministered. The majority of His ministry was out in the streets and neighborhoods. He was constantly making a effort to find the raw materials from which He would build His church. Even His living parable of making His disciples 'fishers of men' reveals this principle (Luke 5:1-10 & John 21:1-14). He did not stand on the bow of the boat and command the fish to jump in the boat. He had the weary disciples cast their nets into the waters and then go through the physically taxing process of hauling in the catch. So important was this lesson that He gave the living illustration twice -- once early on in His ministry before His resurrection, and once after to confirm its message.
The wife of noble character lives out this principle in her household. Her ministry not only honors her husband (verses 12 & 23), and cares for her household (verses 15 & 27), but it benefits the community (verses 20 & 24). She busies herself in the community, seeking and selecting the raw materials that have potential, and works with her hands (verses 17 & 19), to turn them into useful products. This is a picture of a healthy and vital church. The church is called to do more than to look after the members of her household. She is to be active in the community, looking for opportunities to take unused or unrefined resources and turn them into assets which add value to the community. The church is to be clever in her ministry. And, the church is to be eager to do it. That means ministry is not pushed down on the priority list. It is a witness to the world of the wisdom, compassion and care of the Husband, our Lord Jesus Christ. It gives the church credibility and favor in the community, and it gives credibility to her message. When the church looses her 'outward focus' and places ministry far down on the priority list, the church becomes dysfunctional. No matter how nicely they decorate the boat, the fish are not going to jump in. She needs to mend her nets, listen for His instruction, eagerly throw them out into the waters, and see what God will do.
There is plenty of flax and wool out there in the community waiting to be transformed. May Christ’s bride recommit herself to the task of developing the potential around her. May the Church honor Christ in the coming New Year.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
December 30
Dec 30 - Today from Proverbs 30 we look at verses 2 and 3
"I am the most ignorant of men: I do not have a man’s understanding. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One."
If we read this with a Western mindset, we see a man lamenting his own buffoonery. He is frustrated because of his inferior intellect. But this was not written with a Western mindset. It was written by an Eastern scholar, a learned man of great understanding. How then can he make such a statement? Is he being sarcastic? Is he being pretentiously humble? No, he is being very honest. Much more honest than most of us most of the time. He is a man that has weighed the secrets of his own heart and has come up desperately wanting. Who truly knows a man’s heart but the man himself? If the world around you could look into the deep secrets of your thoughts and intents, how would you measure up to the person you present to the world? It is a very scary thought, isn’t it? The Lord declares in Jeremiah 17:9, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" As our Teacher looks deeply into is own heart, he comes forth honestly about the state of his heart. Coming to grips with a deceitful heart without cure puts a man on a path of searching – how can he ever know truth when he is beset with deceit in his very deepest being? He gives an answer in verse 5, "Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him." There is no deceit in God’s word – but the truth is often hidden. Man seldom, if ever, truly prizes that which is lying around in abundance. But that which comes by way of focused effort becomes a valued and cherished possession. God reveals His truth, but He often allows us to struggle to find it.
The first truth God reveals to us is that of His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus is God’s final word to man. He is the complete fulfillment and expressed will of the Father’s heart. This revelation comes not with words of human wisdom, but through the wonder of the cross (1 Cor. 1:17). Through Christ comes the Spirit of Truth. It is by His Spirit that we are able to mature in wisdom (understanding life the way God meant it to be). There is a cure for the heart, but it is not found within ourselves. It is found in Christ Jesus. There is a place where we can gain knowledge of the Holy One, but it is not in our own understanding. It is in His revelation. "The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Cor 2:14. In order to gain understanding of the Holy One, we must first be honest about the state of our own heart. Once we are truthful about its condition, its sets us on a spiritual quest, an earnest and diligent searching. A quest that can only be truly reached when we end up at the cross where the Living Word intersected time and eternity. There He invites us to experience it as well. Apart from the revelation of the Spirit, it is just more foolishness.
"I am the most ignorant of men: I do not have a man’s understanding. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One."
If we read this with a Western mindset, we see a man lamenting his own buffoonery. He is frustrated because of his inferior intellect. But this was not written with a Western mindset. It was written by an Eastern scholar, a learned man of great understanding. How then can he make such a statement? Is he being sarcastic? Is he being pretentiously humble? No, he is being very honest. Much more honest than most of us most of the time. He is a man that has weighed the secrets of his own heart and has come up desperately wanting. Who truly knows a man’s heart but the man himself? If the world around you could look into the deep secrets of your thoughts and intents, how would you measure up to the person you present to the world? It is a very scary thought, isn’t it? The Lord declares in Jeremiah 17:9, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" As our Teacher looks deeply into is own heart, he comes forth honestly about the state of his heart. Coming to grips with a deceitful heart without cure puts a man on a path of searching – how can he ever know truth when he is beset with deceit in his very deepest being? He gives an answer in verse 5, "Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him." There is no deceit in God’s word – but the truth is often hidden. Man seldom, if ever, truly prizes that which is lying around in abundance. But that which comes by way of focused effort becomes a valued and cherished possession. God reveals His truth, but He often allows us to struggle to find it.
The first truth God reveals to us is that of His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus is God’s final word to man. He is the complete fulfillment and expressed will of the Father’s heart. This revelation comes not with words of human wisdom, but through the wonder of the cross (1 Cor. 1:17). Through Christ comes the Spirit of Truth. It is by His Spirit that we are able to mature in wisdom (understanding life the way God meant it to be). There is a cure for the heart, but it is not found within ourselves. It is found in Christ Jesus. There is a place where we can gain knowledge of the Holy One, but it is not in our own understanding. It is in His revelation. "The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Cor 2:14. In order to gain understanding of the Holy One, we must first be honest about the state of our own heart. Once we are truthful about its condition, its sets us on a spiritual quest, an earnest and diligent searching. A quest that can only be truly reached when we end up at the cross where the Living Word intersected time and eternity. There He invites us to experience it as well. Apart from the revelation of the Spirit, it is just more foolishness.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
December 29
Dec 29 – Today from Proverbs 29 we look at verse 7
"The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern."
Jesus revealed one of the great paradoxes of His day when He revealed that the self-righteous are not righteous at all. They are, in fact, wicked. This was also true in the day of Hezekiah, when these proverbs were collected, and now in our own day when we meditate upon them.
The self-righteous in Jesus’ day meticulously studied and kept the written law code without ever seeming to realize what was at the heart of the law. Jesus peals back the hypocrisy of the self-righteous in His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). He begins several points by saying, "You have heard that it was said . . ." This refers to the teachings of the self-righteous experts in the law. He then continues, "But I tell you . . ." Jesus then peals back the letter of the law to reveal the spirit of the law. Later in His ministry he is confronted by an expert in the law who asked what he might do to inherit eternal life (Luke 10:25). Jesus answered, "What is written in the law?" The expert gave an excellent answer, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself." Jesus confirmed the excellence of the answer. But it wasn’t enough of an answer to satisfy the expert. He wanted to know just exactly what qualified one as his neighbor. Then Jesus tells one of the most popular stories in the New Testament – the story of the Good Samaritan. Jesus was, in essence, saying that anyone in your path who is suffering injustice is your neighbor. It has very little, if anything, to do with their pedigree or their geographical location. Loving your neighbor is having mercy on those who in your path have experienced misfortune.
The self-righteous avoid, ignore, and look down on the unfortunate sinners and rabble. If you want their attention, you must improve your pedigree and move into their neighborhood. You have to become like them. If you do not, they show no concern for your station in life. This is wicked. Jesus says to the self-righteous in Matthew 23:15, "Woe to you teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are." Becoming one of them (the self-righteous) is not the goal God has for you.
Do you want to be converted to true righteousness? Then you must emulate the true Shepherd. He did not avoid the socially disenfranchised – He went to them. He did not ignore the condemned and the crippled – He forgave and healed them. He did not look down on the prostitutes and the tax collectors – he cleansed and forgave them. He actually cared about them.
In God’s eyes, we are all sinners. We have all fallen short of the glory of God. The self-righteous is no more deserving than is the prostitute, or the leper, or the tax collector, or the homosexual, or the AIDS victim, or the abortionist, or the kid who stole your car stereo, or . . . well, you fill it in. God’s mercy extends to all through Christ Jesus. If you are in Christ, then you are called to be an agent of His mercy and to seek to bring justice (equity), to those less fortunate souls who lie within your path of ability. Don’t fret about running out of resources. You are a channel of an endless source of mercy. As you let it flow out, He lets it flow in. That is a picture of living water, it is water that flows.
"The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern."
Jesus revealed one of the great paradoxes of His day when He revealed that the self-righteous are not righteous at all. They are, in fact, wicked. This was also true in the day of Hezekiah, when these proverbs were collected, and now in our own day when we meditate upon them.
The self-righteous in Jesus’ day meticulously studied and kept the written law code without ever seeming to realize what was at the heart of the law. Jesus peals back the hypocrisy of the self-righteous in His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). He begins several points by saying, "You have heard that it was said . . ." This refers to the teachings of the self-righteous experts in the law. He then continues, "But I tell you . . ." Jesus then peals back the letter of the law to reveal the spirit of the law. Later in His ministry he is confronted by an expert in the law who asked what he might do to inherit eternal life (Luke 10:25). Jesus answered, "What is written in the law?" The expert gave an excellent answer, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself." Jesus confirmed the excellence of the answer. But it wasn’t enough of an answer to satisfy the expert. He wanted to know just exactly what qualified one as his neighbor. Then Jesus tells one of the most popular stories in the New Testament – the story of the Good Samaritan. Jesus was, in essence, saying that anyone in your path who is suffering injustice is your neighbor. It has very little, if anything, to do with their pedigree or their geographical location. Loving your neighbor is having mercy on those who in your path have experienced misfortune.
The self-righteous avoid, ignore, and look down on the unfortunate sinners and rabble. If you want their attention, you must improve your pedigree and move into their neighborhood. You have to become like them. If you do not, they show no concern for your station in life. This is wicked. Jesus says to the self-righteous in Matthew 23:15, "Woe to you teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are." Becoming one of them (the self-righteous) is not the goal God has for you.
Do you want to be converted to true righteousness? Then you must emulate the true Shepherd. He did not avoid the socially disenfranchised – He went to them. He did not ignore the condemned and the crippled – He forgave and healed them. He did not look down on the prostitutes and the tax collectors – he cleansed and forgave them. He actually cared about them.
In God’s eyes, we are all sinners. We have all fallen short of the glory of God. The self-righteous is no more deserving than is the prostitute, or the leper, or the tax collector, or the homosexual, or the AIDS victim, or the abortionist, or the kid who stole your car stereo, or . . . well, you fill it in. God’s mercy extends to all through Christ Jesus. If you are in Christ, then you are called to be an agent of His mercy and to seek to bring justice (equity), to those less fortunate souls who lie within your path of ability. Don’t fret about running out of resources. You are a channel of an endless source of mercy. As you let it flow out, He lets it flow in. That is a picture of living water, it is water that flows.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
December 28
Dec 28 - Today from Proverbs 28 we look at verse 25
"A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper."
Proverbs for the king and those who dealt with the king. This was the purpose for which Hezekiah's aids collected the proverbs of chapters 25-31. Today they remain just as relevant for leaders and those who aspire to leadership. Leadership in God's economy is servanthood. Great leaders are to be great servants. Think of the greatest leader of all. . . the Lord Jesus.
There was a clever man who tirelessly labored to secure a fiefdom in the midst of a kingdom. He desired nothing more than complete security for himself for the years he was given on this earth. He would achieve this by control over a select group who would do his bidding. He was clever in that those who served him within his fiefdom were convinced that they were better off with him than they were on their own - and in some ways they were. He offered certain benefits, but even then, the underlying motive was to benefit himself by keeping his vassals true to himself. He is a greedy man.
The KJV of this verse uses the term 'proud heart' in place of 'greedy man'. In this instance 'proud' literally means 'room in every direction'. Room only for himself. Every motive, even of those acts that may appear to be charitable or sensitive, is to serve self-interests. What we have just described in the story of the clever man is a model of the world system. From the suzerain systems of the ancient East to the feudal systems of medieval Europe to the tribal systems of Africa and the near East to the corporate systems of the modern West - greedy men seek to dominate their fiefdoms through whatever means possible. It is the chief result of pride and sin. Unfortunately, the church too is riddled with leaders and would-be leaders with proud hearts - men who seek control to push their own agenda. They are often difficult to identify, because their actions can appear to be righteous, but the discerning can detect them through the scrutiny of the primary indicator - a servant's heart.
The church is to be uniquely different from the world system. Our Law Code is founded in one word; LOVE. We are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves. Jesus said that all of the law and prophets hang on this single great concept. In the proud man's heart there is room in every direction only for his rule and his way. In the believer's life there is to be room only for Christ's rule. Many who appear to thrive in the world system are in fact poor and wretched creatures who are in bondage to the very system upon which they rely - they just don't know it. But, unless they have their eyes opened in this life and see the big picture of God's plan, they will one day stand before God and suddenly understand their predicament, and will join those who are doomed to eternal weeping and gnashing of teeth. They are not to be envied, but rather to be pitied. The rewards of the world system are found only within the system, and will one day pass away. The rewards of serving God and serving our fellow man under His guidance are eternal. That is true prosperity!
"The greedy man stirs up dissension." That is the nature of pride and sin. The servant of the Lord is a peacemaker - not through surrender to the enemies of God, but through surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God." (Matthew 5:9).
"A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper."
Proverbs for the king and those who dealt with the king. This was the purpose for which Hezekiah's aids collected the proverbs of chapters 25-31. Today they remain just as relevant for leaders and those who aspire to leadership. Leadership in God's economy is servanthood. Great leaders are to be great servants. Think of the greatest leader of all. . . the Lord Jesus.
There was a clever man who tirelessly labored to secure a fiefdom in the midst of a kingdom. He desired nothing more than complete security for himself for the years he was given on this earth. He would achieve this by control over a select group who would do his bidding. He was clever in that those who served him within his fiefdom were convinced that they were better off with him than they were on their own - and in some ways they were. He offered certain benefits, but even then, the underlying motive was to benefit himself by keeping his vassals true to himself. He is a greedy man.
The KJV of this verse uses the term 'proud heart' in place of 'greedy man'. In this instance 'proud' literally means 'room in every direction'. Room only for himself. Every motive, even of those acts that may appear to be charitable or sensitive, is to serve self-interests. What we have just described in the story of the clever man is a model of the world system. From the suzerain systems of the ancient East to the feudal systems of medieval Europe to the tribal systems of Africa and the near East to the corporate systems of the modern West - greedy men seek to dominate their fiefdoms through whatever means possible. It is the chief result of pride and sin. Unfortunately, the church too is riddled with leaders and would-be leaders with proud hearts - men who seek control to push their own agenda. They are often difficult to identify, because their actions can appear to be righteous, but the discerning can detect them through the scrutiny of the primary indicator - a servant's heart.
The church is to be uniquely different from the world system. Our Law Code is founded in one word; LOVE. We are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves. Jesus said that all of the law and prophets hang on this single great concept. In the proud man's heart there is room in every direction only for his rule and his way. In the believer's life there is to be room only for Christ's rule. Many who appear to thrive in the world system are in fact poor and wretched creatures who are in bondage to the very system upon which they rely - they just don't know it. But, unless they have their eyes opened in this life and see the big picture of God's plan, they will one day stand before God and suddenly understand their predicament, and will join those who are doomed to eternal weeping and gnashing of teeth. They are not to be envied, but rather to be pitied. The rewards of the world system are found only within the system, and will one day pass away. The rewards of serving God and serving our fellow man under His guidance are eternal. That is true prosperity!
"The greedy man stirs up dissension." That is the nature of pride and sin. The servant of the Lord is a peacemaker - not through surrender to the enemies of God, but through surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God." (Matthew 5:9).
Friday, December 26, 2008
December 27
Dec 27 – Today from Proverbs 27 we look at verse 21
"The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives." (NIV)
"As the refining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise." (KJV)
Application of carefully regulated heat by the attending smith refines the quality of a precious metal. The crucible and the furnace spoken of here are tools of the craftsman. I believe this proverb has as much to say for the one giving the praise as it does to the one receiving it.
For the one receiving: Precious metal is tested in the crucible. Every metal has its own melting point. When heated to that point, the refiner can gauge the purity of the metal by observing. Every man is tested when being praised. Does he show humility by giving God glory for his ability? Is he inspired to be worthy of the praise given by being even more diligent? Does he strive to develop and maintain integrity in his endeavors so that those who give the praise are not disappointed? If a man given praise consistently displays these traits, he is a man of wisdom. He understands the ‘testing’ of praise.
For the one giving: Praise is to be used as a tool of refining. Praise should be carefully applied to encourage and to inspire others to develop their potential good. When used casually or recklessly, it can do just the opposite and encourage others to pride and eventually to disappointment. Praise is meant to be a means, not an end. If the recipient begins to believe unwarranted praise, he will develop a false sense of having achieved excellence, and will no longer be motivated toward excellence.
There is a delicate balance between praise and encouragement. The apostle Paul was very good at finding this balance. Along with a word of praise he would often give an indicator of why it was praiseworthy. The indicator then becomes the focus and motivator – not the praise. 1 Thessalonians 1:3 is a prime example; "We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." Here Paul praises the believers for their good works and their endurance, but the indicators are that which inspire them – faith, love, and hope, none of which emanate from self. He praises them for their ability to develop and apply that which God provides.
Every parent, every mentor, every leader needs to strive to learn and apply this balance, much as a skilled metallurgist strives to learn the delicate application of heat to his crucible. In doing so, praise can indeed be useful in refining the character of those we influence.
"The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives." (NIV)
"As the refining pot for silver, and the furnace for gold; so is a man to his praise." (KJV)
Application of carefully regulated heat by the attending smith refines the quality of a precious metal. The crucible and the furnace spoken of here are tools of the craftsman. I believe this proverb has as much to say for the one giving the praise as it does to the one receiving it.
For the one receiving: Precious metal is tested in the crucible. Every metal has its own melting point. When heated to that point, the refiner can gauge the purity of the metal by observing. Every man is tested when being praised. Does he show humility by giving God glory for his ability? Is he inspired to be worthy of the praise given by being even more diligent? Does he strive to develop and maintain integrity in his endeavors so that those who give the praise are not disappointed? If a man given praise consistently displays these traits, he is a man of wisdom. He understands the ‘testing’ of praise.
For the one giving: Praise is to be used as a tool of refining. Praise should be carefully applied to encourage and to inspire others to develop their potential good. When used casually or recklessly, it can do just the opposite and encourage others to pride and eventually to disappointment. Praise is meant to be a means, not an end. If the recipient begins to believe unwarranted praise, he will develop a false sense of having achieved excellence, and will no longer be motivated toward excellence.
There is a delicate balance between praise and encouragement. The apostle Paul was very good at finding this balance. Along with a word of praise he would often give an indicator of why it was praiseworthy. The indicator then becomes the focus and motivator – not the praise. 1 Thessalonians 1:3 is a prime example; "We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." Here Paul praises the believers for their good works and their endurance, but the indicators are that which inspire them – faith, love, and hope, none of which emanate from self. He praises them for their ability to develop and apply that which God provides.
Every parent, every mentor, every leader needs to strive to learn and apply this balance, much as a skilled metallurgist strives to learn the delicate application of heat to his crucible. In doing so, praise can indeed be useful in refining the character of those we influence.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
December 26
Dec 26 – Today from Proverbs 26 we look at verse 2
"Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest."
The curse spoken of in this proverb is not some incantation executed by a sorcerer in a demonic ritual. The closest definition from the original Hebrew means 'vilification'. It is the act of one verbally speaking ill of another, with a particular emphasis on demeaning the character of that person. It is the opposite of verbally praising someone. The apostle James writes in chapter 3 verses 9 and 10; "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be."
This proverb does not address the one who curses so much as the one who is cursed. Every living being is susceptible to being cursed, no matter how nice they are. It is the human condition. People misunderstand one's motives, people disagree with one's processes, people see one in the way of their ambitious goals, people disagree with one's views - so people resort to character assassination in order to gain an edge in persuading others to side with them. People are good at cursing others. A person who is committed to grow in wisdom from above is a person who genuinely fears the Lord. If a person is walking in integrity of character, that person's focus is on their relationship with the Lord and has their confidence in the Lord. It may be unsettling to be the recipient of an unfounded curse, but it should not have an impacting effect on one's character whose confidence is in the Lord. The response of a mature believer is to either ignore an unfounded curse, or to bless the one who has pronounced the curse. The subtle warning in this proverb is for a disciple to keep an undeserved curse just that - undeserved. If one becomes offended by an undeserved curse and effects a retaliation, one has come under the power of that curse because they have relinquished their confidence in the Lord and taken matters of justice, or what's worse, revenge into their own hands. In effect, they have damaged the character of Christ in them, and allowed that which was dead in Christ (the carnal nature), to resurrect and take control. It is a matter of spiritual discipline to live the reality of Galatians 2:20; "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
A fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow is a presence, perhaps even an irritant. But if they are not allowed to land, sooner or later they will move on. If we will not allow an undeserved curse to land by maintaining integrity of character, sooner or later it will fade away. If you are the recent recipient of a curse - someone attempted to vilify you, tried to damage your good character - how should you respond? The answer that comes to you from the light of God's Word in a private meditation must be put into practice in order for it to bear fruit. So, what is your answer? How are you going to respond? God gives grace to all who are willing and are bold enough to take an obedient step of faith. Try it.
One final thought. Is there such thing as a 'deserved' curse? Perhaps not, but there may be unappealing areas in our lives of which we are not aware. I once heard this 'proverb' from a wise man; "If someone calls me a jackass, I usually just walk away and don't let it bother me. But if three people call me a jackass, I go to the mirror and take a good look at myself." If fairly honest or unbiased people are speaking 'perceived' curses about you, perhaps it is a sign that you need to go to the mirror of God's Word and take an honest look at yourself in that area. Just a thought.
"Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest."
The curse spoken of in this proverb is not some incantation executed by a sorcerer in a demonic ritual. The closest definition from the original Hebrew means 'vilification'. It is the act of one verbally speaking ill of another, with a particular emphasis on demeaning the character of that person. It is the opposite of verbally praising someone. The apostle James writes in chapter 3 verses 9 and 10; "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be."
This proverb does not address the one who curses so much as the one who is cursed. Every living being is susceptible to being cursed, no matter how nice they are. It is the human condition. People misunderstand one's motives, people disagree with one's processes, people see one in the way of their ambitious goals, people disagree with one's views - so people resort to character assassination in order to gain an edge in persuading others to side with them. People are good at cursing others. A person who is committed to grow in wisdom from above is a person who genuinely fears the Lord. If a person is walking in integrity of character, that person's focus is on their relationship with the Lord and has their confidence in the Lord. It may be unsettling to be the recipient of an unfounded curse, but it should not have an impacting effect on one's character whose confidence is in the Lord. The response of a mature believer is to either ignore an unfounded curse, or to bless the one who has pronounced the curse. The subtle warning in this proverb is for a disciple to keep an undeserved curse just that - undeserved. If one becomes offended by an undeserved curse and effects a retaliation, one has come under the power of that curse because they have relinquished their confidence in the Lord and taken matters of justice, or what's worse, revenge into their own hands. In effect, they have damaged the character of Christ in them, and allowed that which was dead in Christ (the carnal nature), to resurrect and take control. It is a matter of spiritual discipline to live the reality of Galatians 2:20; "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
A fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow is a presence, perhaps even an irritant. But if they are not allowed to land, sooner or later they will move on. If we will not allow an undeserved curse to land by maintaining integrity of character, sooner or later it will fade away. If you are the recent recipient of a curse - someone attempted to vilify you, tried to damage your good character - how should you respond? The answer that comes to you from the light of God's Word in a private meditation must be put into practice in order for it to bear fruit. So, what is your answer? How are you going to respond? God gives grace to all who are willing and are bold enough to take an obedient step of faith. Try it.
One final thought. Is there such thing as a 'deserved' curse? Perhaps not, but there may be unappealing areas in our lives of which we are not aware. I once heard this 'proverb' from a wise man; "If someone calls me a jackass, I usually just walk away and don't let it bother me. But if three people call me a jackass, I go to the mirror and take a good look at myself." If fairly honest or unbiased people are speaking 'perceived' curses about you, perhaps it is a sign that you need to go to the mirror of God's Word and take an honest look at yourself in that area. Just a thought.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
December 25
Dec 25 - Today from Proverbs 25 we look at verse 25
"Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land."
Proverbs for the king and those who dealt with the king. This was the purpose for which Hezekiah's aids collected the proverbs of chapters 25-31. Today they remain just as relevant for leaders and those who aspire to leadership. Leadership in God's economy is servanthood. Great leaders are to be great servants. Think of the greatest leader of all. . . the Lord Jesus.
We all enjoy hearing good news. In the midst of the realities of a fallen world and all of the pain and corruption caused by the fracturing effects of sin (self-serving ways), good news is indeed as refreshing as a glass of cold water to a parched thirst in a dry and weary place. Good news from a distant land intensifies the refreshing. In the beginning of the war in Iraq we experienced the incredible ability to follow battlefield events in real-time as we had TV reporters imbedded with the troops and broadcasting the war in Iraq live from multiple locations. Even today, we get updated reports of events as they happen.
In contrast, in the days in which the proverbs were written, communications came by way of runners. There was no 'real-time' news of events. As the battles raged, the peoples of the nations involved would wait with great anticipation to see the figure of a runner on the horizon. Kings and leaders would often try to anticipate what the news would be in accordance with the number of runners or the character of the runners. If the news was favorable, the military leaders would usually send a favored runner, as the runner would often be rewarded. If the news were unfavorable, the runner chosen would be of lesser importance - perhaps even expendable if the news were bad enough. We can see the cultural reality of this in 2 Samuel 18 were the battlefield news of the death of Absalom, David's rebellious son, was to be delivered to king David in Jerusalem. Commander Joab knew how the news would affect David, so he sent a Cushite to run. A favored runner, Ahimaz, thought David would be delighted with the victory over the rebel, and desperately sought to be the runner. Joab says, "My son, why do you want to go? You don't have any news that will bring you a reward." Ahimaz thought he had some 'fresh water', but Joab knew that the water was tainted with bitterness.
"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" (Isaiah 52:7). Great leaders are great servants. As believers in Christ, we are chosen and called to be a Royal Priesthood (2 Peter 2:9). We are to be runners for Christ the King, and our message is to be in the spirit of the priesthood; to intercede for sinful man on behalf of a gracious God. We live in a world of 'weary souls'. Weary from trying to please self, weary from trying to please others, weary from trying to please God. It's maddening. We have the best news possible; that God made peace with us through Jesus Christ. "Peace on earth, good will toward men." That is our message. We bring it from a distant land - from the home of the Father. It is a matter of perspective. It is really the lost who are in the distant land, and we bring the news to them from the heart of God; "God loves you and offers you immunity from your sin through the death of His own Son." Only this time there is no bitterness in the Father's heart, for the Son lives! He was resurrected and lives to restore all who will believe on His Name. Indeed, "Our God reigns!"
Today we celebrate the first coming of Messiah, Jesus Christ. The world celebrates Christmas, but they do not celebrate Christ. It is a great opportunity for the Church. We must stop bearing an attitude of 'serve us', and develop the attitude of 'service'. He came to redeem - and to set an example unto the redeemed. Let us faithfully carry His message through our service.
"Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land."
Proverbs for the king and those who dealt with the king. This was the purpose for which Hezekiah's aids collected the proverbs of chapters 25-31. Today they remain just as relevant for leaders and those who aspire to leadership. Leadership in God's economy is servanthood. Great leaders are to be great servants. Think of the greatest leader of all. . . the Lord Jesus.
We all enjoy hearing good news. In the midst of the realities of a fallen world and all of the pain and corruption caused by the fracturing effects of sin (self-serving ways), good news is indeed as refreshing as a glass of cold water to a parched thirst in a dry and weary place. Good news from a distant land intensifies the refreshing. In the beginning of the war in Iraq we experienced the incredible ability to follow battlefield events in real-time as we had TV reporters imbedded with the troops and broadcasting the war in Iraq live from multiple locations. Even today, we get updated reports of events as they happen.
In contrast, in the days in which the proverbs were written, communications came by way of runners. There was no 'real-time' news of events. As the battles raged, the peoples of the nations involved would wait with great anticipation to see the figure of a runner on the horizon. Kings and leaders would often try to anticipate what the news would be in accordance with the number of runners or the character of the runners. If the news was favorable, the military leaders would usually send a favored runner, as the runner would often be rewarded. If the news were unfavorable, the runner chosen would be of lesser importance - perhaps even expendable if the news were bad enough. We can see the cultural reality of this in 2 Samuel 18 were the battlefield news of the death of Absalom, David's rebellious son, was to be delivered to king David in Jerusalem. Commander Joab knew how the news would affect David, so he sent a Cushite to run. A favored runner, Ahimaz, thought David would be delighted with the victory over the rebel, and desperately sought to be the runner. Joab says, "My son, why do you want to go? You don't have any news that will bring you a reward." Ahimaz thought he had some 'fresh water', but Joab knew that the water was tainted with bitterness.
"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, 'Your God reigns!'" (Isaiah 52:7). Great leaders are great servants. As believers in Christ, we are chosen and called to be a Royal Priesthood (2 Peter 2:9). We are to be runners for Christ the King, and our message is to be in the spirit of the priesthood; to intercede for sinful man on behalf of a gracious God. We live in a world of 'weary souls'. Weary from trying to please self, weary from trying to please others, weary from trying to please God. It's maddening. We have the best news possible; that God made peace with us through Jesus Christ. "Peace on earth, good will toward men." That is our message. We bring it from a distant land - from the home of the Father. It is a matter of perspective. It is really the lost who are in the distant land, and we bring the news to them from the heart of God; "God loves you and offers you immunity from your sin through the death of His own Son." Only this time there is no bitterness in the Father's heart, for the Son lives! He was resurrected and lives to restore all who will believe on His Name. Indeed, "Our God reigns!"
Today we celebrate the first coming of Messiah, Jesus Christ. The world celebrates Christmas, but they do not celebrate Christ. It is a great opportunity for the Church. We must stop bearing an attitude of 'serve us', and develop the attitude of 'service'. He came to redeem - and to set an example unto the redeemed. Let us faithfully carry His message through our service.
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