Monthly Archives: March 2014

Proverbs 10

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In Proverbs 10, Solomon lists a variety of proverbs with little connecting thought flow. A number of these proverbs contrast the righteous and wicked, both in terms of actions and end result. The righteous are delivered from death, receive blessings, rewarded with a wage that “leads to life”, fear God, have a joyful hope, will never be removed from the promised land, their words bring forth wisdom, they know what is acceptable.

Similar ideas are expressed of the wise, when compared with the foolish. A wise son makes a glad father, the heart of the wise receive commandments, they collect knowledge, take pleasure in understanding.

These varied proverbs all have one thing in common. They remind us that God cares about the way we act, and that our eternal salvation is dependent upon a certain way of life. We need to follow “the way of the Lord”, knowing that it is a stronghold that we can rely upon.

Proverbs 6

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Solomon provides practical advice for us in Proverbs 6. The ant works diligently, apparently without any oversight, yet working in harmony with other ants to provide for the whole colony. This is similar to the body of Christ, where we individually work together for the benefit of the whole body, without apparent supervision.

Solomon also warns about unfaithfulness using the analogy of adultery. In order to preserve ourselves from the “smooth tongue” of sin, our Father’s commandment and teaching needs to be constantly before us.  “When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you”. This is similar language to David’s psalms that describe his love of God’s word and constant meditation, and provides us with insight as to how vital our relationship with God is, both through prayer and meditation on His word.

 

Luke 18

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In Luke 18, Jesus teaches his disciples about prayer. The parable of the “unjust judge” demonstrates that we “ought always to pray and not lose heart”. In contrast to the judge in the parable, God gives justice to His elect, who cry to him day and night, giving justice speedily”.

Developing and growing our relationship with God through prayer is a vital part of our discipleship, coping with trials that we all face. We can be confident that God will hear our prayers, knowing our needs even before we ask.

We also read how important it is to be persistent in our faith. The blind man was not discouraged by the obstacles he had to overcome, crying out to Jesus for mercy loudly and frequently enough to be heard over the noise of a crowd. Jesus restored his sight, saying to the blind man “your faith has made you well”.

So let’s work on developing our relationship with God, through frequent prayer and continued effort to overcome the things in our life that separate us from God.

Luke 17, Proverbs 3

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The cleansing of the ten lepers presents us with an insight into the behaviour God expects from us. While all ten demonstrate faith, and are healed because of their faith, only one is thankful.  The Samaritan praised God with a loud voice, returned to Jesus, and fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving thanks. He is commended for his actions, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well”.

God has extended to us an offer of salvation, which requires us to live a particular lifestyle. But there is more to our relationship than a response to God’s actions.  Unlike the unworthy servant who merely did his duty, true servants of God develop a deeper relationship resulting in genuine love and thankfulness expressed.

Rather than being preoccupied with eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting and building, we are advised instead to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths”.

Proverbs 2

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Solomon describes true wisdom as the fear of the Lord and the knowledge of God. True wisdom comes from God, “from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding”. It must be searched for like people search for silver or hidden treasure.  True wisdom helps us to “understand righteousness and justice and equity”, and protects us from the way of evil.

True wisdom requires time and effort to develop, but it is more than intellectual knowledge. It’s something that affects our thoughts and actions, helps us avoid temptation and guides us to “walk in the way of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous”.  It offers hope of an inheritance.  It’s up to us to spend the time developing this wisdom, to make the choice between two masters and serve God.

Luke 12

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In Luke 12, Jesus continues to provide advice on living a Godly life.  Avoid hypocrisy. Don’t fear persecution; God knows every sparrow sold and every hair of our heads, He will not forget any persecution that we suffer. Acknowledge Jesus in the way we live.  Recognise the natural tendency to collect possessions, and instead develop heavenly riches. Don’t be anxious about natural needs like food, clothing, etc.  Be ready for the return of Jesus.

These are all things we struggle with, to varying degrees. Jesus is not giving this advice because it’s easy to follow, but because it’s something we all need to work on.

“Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also”. Let’s make sure our treasure is in heaven, seeking God’s kingdom first, following the example and advice of Jesus.

Luke 11, Psalms 143-144

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Jesus said “Blessed are those that hear the word of God and keep it”. Our faith is not passive. We are exhorted to “ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you”, knowing that God will respond to those that seek Him.

We are also exhorted to have our whole body full of light, single mindedly focused on serving God in an active, visible manner. David’s faith was like this, seeking God, praying for mercy, demonstrating his faith in God in the way he lived.

So let’s follow the example of David, who describes God as his rock, “my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and he in whom I take refuge”.

Luke 10

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Jesus explains to his disciples how blessed they are to understand the gospel. “Many prophets and kings desired to see what you see…and to hear what you hear” about Christ and the salvation that would be offered through him.  Jesus prays to God, thanking God for revealing this hope.

1st Peter refers to this, prophets had “searched and inquired carefully”. This hope is “a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”; a hope hidden from the “wise and understanding” of the world, revealed instead to those who demonstrate trust in God like a child trusts a parent.

Next we read Jesus’ parable of the good Samaritan, a story that explains the relationship between the two great commandments. By loving our neighbour as ourself, we show the love we have for God.  Let’s follow Jesus’ advice to the lawyer, “go, and do likewise”.

Psalms 137-139

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David describes his dependence on God in Psalms 137-139. “I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart… for your steadfast love and your faithfulness… On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased… Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life“.

David also acknowledges God’s omniscience, “O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar… Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether”.

This knowledge is something we, like David, can take comfort in. There is no point in our life that God does not know more about us than even we ourselves know. “Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered“.  Let us allow God’s hand to hold and lead us, guiding us “in the way everlasting“.

Luke 8

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Luke 8 presents us with examples of faith in action. Mary, Joanna, and Susanna, and “many others”, supported Jesus as he went “though cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God”. Their faith led them to spend their time and resources in ensuring others could hear the gospel.

Jairus’ daughter, and the woman with an issue of blood, were both healed because they showed faith, actively seeking Jesus, fully convinced that he could heal them.  Jesus’ responses “your faith has made you well” and “do not fear; only believe, and she will be well”, reveal the power of faith.

Jesus gave a parable about ensuring a lit lamp is not hidden, but placed so those who enter may see the light. He also describes his family as “those who hear the word of God and do it”. We’ve received that light, and now we must ensure that it is seen by others, so that we too can be part of Jesus’ family.