Another Day

The book of proverbs is truly a treasure trove for Christian believers who really desire to mature up in their spiritual development. Personally, I would encourage all believers everywhere (including those who think themselves mature and old in the faith) to read and re-read this book.

This book does not only outline what Godly wisdom is, but sets it apart from the worldly convention of wisdom. Reading the book, the reader will be able to distinguish the difference and to even cultivate positive steps of acquiring and growing godly wisdom that accords to His Will.

Personally, I am much edified by the promises that are scattered throughout the book. For example; Proverbs 1:4-5 speaks of the work of this book to give prudence to the simple and knowledge and discretion to the young man. In our age where the simple minded are looked down upon, this surely is a head turner, as it promises that the ways of the simple will be tempered with caution (something that the world thinks the simple are incapable of). This is more useful for the young man who struggles with his emotions and feelings and new found responsibility that they have to shoulder; God’s Word gives him understanding of even the horrible, painful issues of life and more importantly, give him a sound decision making faculty that is corrupted in the world. Look at the young man of today and you will see that he is stricken with relativism, uncertainty and inconsistency. All these manifest themselves in this period of ‘rebelliousness’ that people (the general people) believe is merely a phase of life.

The book gives practical advices also that helps steer the believer into right pastures; Proverbs 4:14-15 – “Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it, turn away from it and pass on.” I can say that this is absolutely sound advice and caution for those who are tempted to walk down the path of unwholesomeness, and think that the experience that comes from it will somehow help the believer in the future. That is definitely untrue for all experiences leave a residue on our soul, mind and heart which will affect our decision making in the future. What ought we to do then? “Just turn away and pass on”. Ignore it by turning away and passing it on (do not look at it). In a world where everyone wants to taste every wine there is to be tasted… this is a radical call.

God’s Word will always be radical for it challenges our very nature and heart fabric. It is useless to shout that Christians are radical but there is no true radicalness to be seen. There is nothing radical by jumping up and down in a worship, doing many things like preaching to hundreds of people and bringing people in the busloads to church. It is nothing different than the many other organisations in this world. But where is the radical lifestyle that shocks families for their integrity, truth and commitment to a Holy & Merciful God? Are we more than these?

Let us be radical, but only in the Wisdom and truth of God’s Word.

It is painful at times, but sometimes we find ourselves uttering the words of the Psalmist:

Psalms 77:7-9  ”Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable?  (8)  Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time?  (9)  Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?”

Living in our sin-corrupted flesh is spiritual agony when we are brought to remember the holiness of God’s being and standards. The weight of guilt and the crushing blows of sin assailing our conscience can be so powerful that we cry out like the psalmist and query God: will it be forever? Will there never be restoration from God? Has everything promised to His people failed on account of our imperfection and worthlessness? Is there no grace left for me?

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(Luk 23:39-43)  One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” (40) But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? (41) And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” (42) And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (43) And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

I used to be confused on the subject matter of conversion when I was younger (right up till my late teens). It is the way many potray the Gospel as an easy-to-do thing; pray the “sinner’s prayer” and be baptised. Those were the sure two ways of making sure that you have the right to call yourself a Christian. I know many people who are convinced that they were saved because of a prayer they uttered a few years back in an obscure time (in their own minds). Some have ‘accepted Christ’ because of the way the ‘Gospel’ has been presented to them; Jesus Christ is better than Santa Claus and Aladdin’s genie. Few have marketed that Jesus Christ will do wonders for your marriage life, and for your work life too.

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Chapter 14 – 17 of John is a long passage that deserves the Christian’s undivided attention in meditation. It is just so rich with theology and sweet doctrine concerning Christ’ purpose on earth, what He achieved on the cross at Calvary and more importantly, His relationship to the Father and the Holy Spirit (identified as the ‘Helper’ in this passage). One thing that stands out very clearly is Christ’ proclaimation that His obedience to the Father’s commandment is evidence of His love to the Father (John 14:31). This is repeated again in John 15:10.

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