Today's Reading - 2 Chronicles 7 & Psalm 136

Prescription for National Restoration

Psalm 136 is all about giving thanks to the God of Heaven for His steadfast love which endures forever. We don’t know for sure who wrote Psalm 136, but we do know that it was sung at the dedication of Solomon’s Temple. (See 2 Chr 7:3,6). As the people gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the Temple, the one thing that was on their mind was thankfulness – and rightly so. God had so blessed the people of Israel with His providence, provision, and protection for many centuries that it was time to give Him praise and thanksgiving for His enduring love.

After the festivities of the day, as Solomon lay on his bed, the Lord spoke to him about the days ahead when the people’s hearts would turn away from God. As complacency and apathy set in, the people would turn to selfish and wicked pursuits. God knew they would one day drift away from His commandments and statutes and decay into a nation that was no longer thankful and no longer carried God at the center of their national life. When this happens, God told Solomon that His blessing would give way to His judgment.

Instead of plentiful rain to water their crops, God would “shut up” the heavens so there is no rain. He would send locusts into their gardens and farms. He would send diseases and pandemics upon the people. It would not be a pretty sight. This may seem like such a “downer” on a day that was full of celebration and joy and thankfulness. But the reason God spoke to Solomon about this was because He wanted to give him the “prescription” to remedy their condition. Because His steadfast love endures forever, He made sure they knew exactly how to end their coming days of trouble.

There are four simple (but not easy) steps they must follow when they are ready for God’s forgiveness and healing of their land. First, they must HUMBLE THEMSELVES. This means they must acknowledge that they have been wrong in their disregard for God and turn away from their pride and self-sufficiency. Second, they must PRAY. Lack of prayer is one of the sure signs that a person or a nation has turned away from God. To remedy this, they must turn back to a life of prayer. Third, they must SEEK GOD’S FACE. When we seek the face of God, we are seeking His presence – seeking His involvement in our lives – seeking to end our estrangement from Him. Finally, they must TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS. This means they must repent – intentionally turn their back on the direction they are going and turn back to God’s ways and rule over their nation.

God then promised Solomon that when His people followed this “prescription,” that He would forgive their sins and heal their land. What an amazing promise from the God of Heaven whose steadfast love endures forever! This promise applies to any nation who, at one time, sought God and followed His truth but has drifted away from Him into complacency, apathy, selfishness, pride, and sin. Our loving God will do the same for that nation.

 

Today's Reading - Proverbs 7

The Apple of Your Eye

In today’s jargon, the phrase “apple of my eye” means that something or someone is cherished above all others. When a father, for example, has many beloved children, but there is one in particular who is treasured and cherished above the others, that child is considered the “apple of his eye.” There were many beautiful belles at the ball, but only Cinderella was the apple of Prince Charming’s eye – he cherished her above all the others.

Here in Proverbs 7, we are urged to keep the Lord’s teaching as the apple of our eye. Certainly, that means to cherish it and treasure it above all else. There are many reasons to cherish the word of God. It reveals the one true and living God. It comes from our Creator, Himself, who inspired every word. It unveils God’s plan of redemption for humanity. It contains fathomless wisdom and understanding. It tells us how human history will end. It teaches us how to deal with every aspect of our lives. It brings fresh spiritual refreshment to our daily lives. It instructs us how to live righteously before Him. God is truly honored when we cherish Him and His words above all else.

But there’s more to the phrase “apple of my eye” as found in the Bible. The Biblical phrase comes from a Hebrew expression that literally means ‘little man of the eye.’ It refers to the tiny reflection that you can see in other people’s pupils when they are looking directly at someone or something. To be the apple of someone’s eye meant that they were focusing on and watching something so closely that you could see the reflection in their pupils. Thus, ‘apple of your eye’ literally meant to be your singular focus.

Here in this Proverb, we are instructed to keep God’s teaching so central in our view that it is our singular focus – the apple of our eye.  It means focusing on God by remaining focused on His word. Jesus once said those who had believed in Him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.” (John 8:31) What this phrase “truly my disciples” indicates is that there are disciples who are not truly disciples. The word “truly” means “really” — “really my disciples.” In other words, there are real and unreal disciples. There are authentic and inauthentic disciples. There is discipleship that is merely outward, and discipleship that goes down to the root. The difference is in those who “abide” (live under the sway of) His word.

God’s call is for us to be truly His disciples by keeping His teachings as the most cherished and singular focus of our lives. He wants us to avoid being under the sway of worldly wisdom and man’s ideas and to come solely under the sway of His truth. Keep God’s word as your singular focus. Watch it so closely and intently that you can see its reflection in your pupil and in your way of life.

 

Today's Reading - Proverbs 24

 

Wise Counsel and Lots of It

War is serious! The decisions made during war are serious and can have grave consequences. Here in Proverbs 24, Solomon is warning his son that making decisions during war must be done with wise counsel, and lots of it.

Most of us do not make decisions about war. At least not in the military sense of the word. But all of us are in a war, a spiritual war. There are many ways we may be fighting spiritual battles in our lives and world today. We may not see it, we might even forget it’s there, but it is a real war and has serious consequences. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12) If you are a follower of Jesus, you are on the frontlines of this cosmic battle.

Spiritual warfare is serious business. That’s why we need to be careful in the way we approach it. We all need to be aware that God has an enemy who is committed to making us ineffective by whatever means necessary. There are life-altering decisions we must make in this war. Decisions about a mate, a career, a specific job, a church, a promotion, a house, an investment, a business, a friend, a move, a problem with a child, a problem with health, and so forth. Here in Proverbs 24, we are exhorted not to fight these battles or make these decisions alone. We, like any military leader, must seek wise counsel about these decisions.

There are two parts to this proverb. First, he says, “don’t go to war without wise guidance.” Not just any guidance will do. You must use WISE advisers, which means you consult cautious, experienced, successful, and God-fearing mature believers. It is not prudent to ask immature young believers. And, it is especially inappropriate to seek the guidance of those who do not fear God or follow Christ. Their thoughts are worthless on any subject.

Secondly, he says “to win, you need lots of this type of counsel.” Asking just one or two wise counselors is not enough. The proverb teaches that wisdom is found in a MULTITUDE of counselors. By taking the time to hear many opinions and weighing them carefully, we would be saved from foolish and hurtful decisions. 

So, don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers.

Today's Reading - Proverbs 23

Who Do You Envy?

"Envy" is the feeling which looks longingly at the prosperity and enjoyment of others. It is that sense of “I wish I had” what they have.

It is wrong to long after those who find their prosperity and enjoyment outside of God. Let not your heart envy sinners. This type of envy is sin. It leads to jealousy and resentment. But, did you know there is a RIGHT type of envy? The way this verse is structured in the original Hebrew, it indicates that is right to long after those who find their prosperity and enjoyment in the Lord. Literally translated, this verse reads “Let not your heart be envious at sinners, but instead be envious of those who fear Yahweh all the day.”

Did you know that it is okay to look at the godly, spiritual qualities of other believers and “envy” those qualities in your own life?  This is not the type of envy that leads to jealousy, bitterness, or resentment. This is the type of envy that leads to a prayerful pursuit of those same qualities in your own life. As you look longingly at godly people, you will begin emulating their example. In 1 Corinthians 4:16, the Apostle Paul said, “I urge you, then, be imitators of me.” Envying the spiritual qualities of others will help us imitate those qualities.

Do you “wish you had” the level of compassion you see in a fellow believer? Or, do you listen to your pastor and his anointed exegesis of Scripture and say, “I wish I could teach like that”? Or, perhaps “wish” you were more like your friend who is “on-fire” for Jesus and chronically reaches out to others with the Gospel message. There are many godly qualities in others that we should look longingly at: faith, virtue, patience, humility, servanthood, and much more. The reality is that when you envy these qualities, you are – in fact – envying Christ. Your heart is longing to be more like Him.

The good news is that you CAN have the qualities you long for. God has promised to bring forth Christlike character from your life. "The fruit of the Spirit is Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance” (Galatians 5:22-23). Put off the works of the flesh and be continually filled with the Holy Spirit and you will have the very qualities you envy.

So, go ahead and look longingly at the prosperity and enjoyment of those mature and spiritual Christians around you. Let your heart envy them. Then go to God and ask Him to “make it so” in you. Don’t be envious of worldly prosperity, but be envious of those who fear Yahweh all the day.

 

Today's Reading - Proverbs 22

 

Duck Or Get Clobbered

Unlike God, who sees the future with crystal clarity, we humans are unable to do so. We don’t know what lies around the next corner. We are blind to what awaits us. Accordingly, God in His mercy has granted us three faculties to manage our journey into the future: truth, trust, and prudence.

By God’s truth, we can see God’s master plan for the future. We know what awaits us as we draw nearer to the last days. We also know what awaits us when our life on earth is done. What a blessing that God has shown us the end of the story.

By trust, we anticipate and expect good from the hand of God, who has promised that He has a plan for each one of us – a plan of blessing. When we put our trust in Him, we need not fear what lies ahead. Whatever it is, the Lord will make it work for our good and our blessing.

By prudence, we avoid the pitfalls and injury that come to those who proceed in the face of danger. Prudence is the faculty by which we exercise good judgement and common sense as we make choices in life. The Hebrew word translated “prudent” in verse 3 means to be subtle, shrewd, crafty, sly, sensible. It is the God-given means by which we can step out of the way and protect ourself from unnecessary pain and sorrow. This can apply to something as simple as avoiding sharp knives or eating foods that cause indigestion to more serious matters such as avoiding teachers of false doctrine, entering an unhealthy relationship, or giving in to our sinful nature.

The opposite of prudence is foolishness. Foolish ("the simple") people are often reckless, attempting things that the prudent person avoids. As the old saying goes, “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.” Without prudence, the foolish and inexperienced person is headstrong and proceeds down the path of danger.  They take undue risks because they haven’t considered the outcome of a situation.

Whatever choices you are making in your life, be sure to pause before proceeding. Consider the potential pitfalls and injury that could come from a hasty or unwise decision. Do not proceed without taking the necessary precautions to hide yourself from injury. Do yourself a favor by using your God-given prudence.

The Message paraphrase puts it like this, “A prudent person sees trouble coming and ducks; a simpleton walks in blindly and is clobbered.” (MSG)

Today's Reading - Proverbs 21

Ritual vs Righteousness

The way you behave in your dealings with others means far more to God than your religious performance.  

It seems that there is no shortage of people who are ready to do their religious duty on Sundays, but show no signs of a godly life the rest of the week. They meticulously make the “sacrifices” of attending church services, paying their tithes, saying their prayers, following their liturgy, singing their songs, and performing their rituals – but there is no attempt to live a righteous life before God. They just don’t get that God is more interested in their seeking to be righteous, just, and merciful than He is in them coming and offering such “sacrifices” to Him. 

David the Psalmist recognized this truth in Psalm 51 – “You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” God is far more interested in matters of the heart than He is in our religious ceremony. Having this type of broken spirit and repentant heart will result in living the type of life that God finds acceptable and pleasing – a life of faith, mercy, kindness, justice, and righteousness.

Yahweh was very blunt about this truth with the prophet Isaiah when He questioned him about religious duty:

“’What makes you think I want all your sacrifices?’ says the Lord.

‘I am sick of your burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fattened cattle.

I get no pleasure from the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.

When you come to worship me, who asked you to parade through my courts with all your ceremony?

Stop bringing me your meaningless gifts; the incense of your offerings disgusts me!

As for your celebrations of the new moon and the Sabbath and your special days for fasting—they are all sinful and false.

I want no more of your pious meetings.’” (Isaiah 1:11-13)

The reality is that if our heart isn’t in it, God isn’t interested in our religion. He is seeking those with a humble and contrite heart who recognize their need for His grace and forgiveness and commit themselves to living righteously, justly, and mercifully through the power of His indwelling Spirit. The way you behave in your dealings with others means far more to God than your religious performance.  

Today's Reading - Proverbs 20

Wine is a Mocker

As you know, the drinking of wine, beer, and other alcoholic beverages is an accepted practice in our culture. In fact, you could say it is not only acceptable, but is expected and encouraged by nearly everyone. It is the "norm" of our society. It is simply our “way of life.” But, is it consistent with God’s “way of life?”

The reality is – and here comes the honesty – the Bible consistently and strongly advises against the consumption of wine and strong drink. It is true that the Bible sometimes refers to wine in positive ways when describing something satisfying (“Your mouth is like the best wine.” -  Song of Songs 7:9), or celebratory (“Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart” - Ecclesiastes 9:7), but it also strongly warns of the dangers of drinking.

Here in Proverbs 20, we read that “wine is a mocker” and that “strong drink (or beer) is a brawler” and that “whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” A mocker is somebody who is hostile to a life of righteousness and ridicules all who disagree with him. This statement is a warning against the harmful ways a person is affected by consuming too much wine.  Consuming too much wine (or any alcoholic beverage) negatively affects one’s thinking and behavior, which could lead to actions, words, or attitudes unpleasing to the Lord. Those who consume too much wine give themselves over to its influence and allow it to control them. In a sense, then, the wine “mocks” their lack of self-control.

The book of Proverbs provides instructions for living a wise and virtuous life—by avoiding actions that end up harming oneself and others. In Proverbs 20:1 specifically, wine and beer are described as enemies of wisdom. Whoever is led astray by alcohol is not wise.

While wine and other alcoholic beverages can be safely consumed without leading to sin, we should pay close attention to the Bible’s strong warnings against excessive consumption. Alcohol has a way of leading us away from the righteous and virtuous life God calls us to live.

Bottom line: The Bible does not strictly forbid drinking, but it does strongly discourage it and forbids drinking in excess, leading to drunkenness. If a Christian chooses to consume alcohol, they must do so with moderation, restraint, and self-control. If you cannot drink without such restraint, then you must avoid alcohol altogether. Whoever is led astray by alcohol is not wise. Check your heart on this matter. Have you adopted your culture’s values when it comes to drinking? Or, have you internalized God’s values and chosen to live above society’s “norm”?