Tag: pray

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Holy, Holy, Holy; Immanuel

Isaiah 6-8 and Psalm 98

The reading today covers a lot of territory: Isaiah’s call to ministry, the infamous prophecy about the birth of Jesus and the warning to trust God above all others.

Isaiah’s ministry to the southern kingdom came at a time when the northern kingdom, a huge number of Israelites, was swept away into exile. Isaiah 6:1 pinpoints the date, “In the year that King Uzziah died,” to give us some perspective of the time in history. King Uzziah (Azariah) ruled the southern kingdom (from 792 to 740 BC) while Jeroboam II ruled the northern kingdom before the Assyrian invasions began (734 and 722 BC).

Isaiah’s call to ministry begins with a vision of God in his throne room; complete submission to the Creator:

“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Isaiah 6:5-8

I’ve heard this preached many times. The awe and wonder of the Lord of all that takes away the sin of the world. Incredibly amazing. I pray that my response would be like that of Isaiah, “Here am I. Send me!” Next week, thousands of pastors and supporting ministries will gather at Exponential and no doubt hundreds will hear the call and answer, “Send me” to plant a church, to expand Christ’s church on earth. Many churches will be birthed as a result. It’s an exciting time!

God sent Isaiah to advise Ahaz (Uzziah’s grandson) that the invading forces would fail, those who said, “Let us invade Judah; let us tear it apart and divide it among ourselves, and make the son of Tabeel king over it.” (Isaiah 7:6). The Lord provided this answer:

“‘It will not take place,
it will not happen
Isaiah 7:5-7

The text suddenly switches from a contemporary issue to the future:

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign:
The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son,
and will call him Immanuel.
Isaiah 7:14

The Remnant, a consistent theme throughout the prophets, ties the old with the new, the ancient with the contemporary. It also provides a warning that perhaps the masses are not right in their thinking. Following the crowds is obviously not always the best idea; careful consideration is required, great discernment is needed.

And though a tenth remains in the land,
it will again be laid waste.
But as the terebinth and oak
leave stumps when they are cut down,
so the holy seed will be the stump in the land.”
Isaiah 6:13

The ways of the world seem right to many, but they don’t often have a clue. The shocking news, not surprising, is often wrong:

This is what the Lord says to me with his strong hand upon me,
warning me not to follow the way of this people:
“Do not call conspiracy
everything this people calls a conspiracy;
do not fear what they fear,
and do not dread it.
The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy,
he is the one you are to fear,
he is the one you are to dread.
Isaiah 8:11-13

The call to look to God is the key, to lean on the prompting and teaching of the Spirit is more important than those who shout on the street corners or publish news to sell ads. Focus on God’s word, his teaching.

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Easter: Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

Read: John 20-21

Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!

Tradition that reminds us to remind ourselves of this spectacular, pivotal event in history. I was raised with such rich tradition, with Easter Egg hunts and candy treats, with early Son Rise services as we sang hymns on cool Easter Sundays. The Easter Lilies that adorned the sanctuaries bloom to remind us that the Lord of Creation is the Lord of the Resurrection.

A lot of these traditions are old now, but I’m thankful for the heritage, the fond memories of watching our girls run around with Easter baskets finding treats around the house. One of my favorites was in Colorado where we “hid” Easter eggs on top of the snow! We sectioned off the area by age groups and watched the girls and their friend find eggs on top of the Spring snow. They didn’t miss a beat. The joy with which they collected eggs and the celebration that followed is heart-warming even today. I miss those days, but I’m thankful for the memories.

It’s a different world and a new time, but the course of history was changed by this single moment. All four Gospels cover the most significant event in history: the Resurrection of Jesus! Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20-21

Each provide a different perspective of the account of eyewitnesses that attest to this miracle above all miracles. John provides some details, a wonderful record of events from the early discovery through appearances to the disciples (the eleven).

I want to read more about the event, but John simple states:

Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:30-31

But he couldn’t stop writing! Chapter 21 adds more details:

Finally, he put the quill and ink to rest:

Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. John 21:25

Brett Andrews sent an email to the New Life Christian Church staff asking for prayer in many specific ways. He ended the email with verse three from an old hymn some one hundred years ago that captures the moment:

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.
The Love of God, Frederick Lehman, 1917

Many of my friends are busy this morning as they serve local churches in various parts of the country. I pray that our commitment to serving the church doesn’t make us so busy that we miss the splendor of the day.

Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!

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Somber Saturday

Read: Isaiah 53:10-54:17

Two thousand plus years ago, this was the worst Saturday conceivable. Did the disciples begin to hear dismissive thoughts from those who called them out time and time again: “Didn’t we tell you? He was just a man.”

10 Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.
11 After he has suffered,
he will see the light of life and be satisfied;
by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,
and he will bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,
and he will divide the spoils with the strong,
because he poured out his life unto death,
and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.
Isaiah 53:10-12

Did they gather together and compare stories? Just a few days earlier, they were having supper with Jesus and Passover was upon them, another grim reminder of the great and mighty God they serve. In my imagination, I hear them going over everything Jesus said, how he changed the progressive Passover meal to end differently than Jewish custom. He washed all of their feat, even the feet of Judas, and told them clearly:

“I am telling you now before it happens,
so that when it does happen
you will believe that
I am who I am.
John 13:19

I wonder if one of them thought about Isaiah 54. I don’t know how they kept the scrolls back in those days, but I’m confident they knew the words of the prophets better than I do. I can see them scrambling for the parchment, “here, read this…”

“Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame.
Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated.
Isaiah 54:4

Don’t listen to the voices of the naysayers that never heard the wisdom of Christ nor witnessed the love and compassion for those hurting, the lame, the blind and the lost. They weren’t with you over the course of three years. Jesus walked with them more than 1,000 days on earth, we get just a glimpse in the Gospel records. “You will not be humiliated,” affirms Isaiah — 700 years before the crucifixion, even before death on a Roman cross was invented.

I hope someone remembered Isaiah’s words:

9 “To me this is like the days of Noah,
when I swore that the waters of Noah would never again cover the earth.
So now I have sworn not to be angry with you,
never to rebuke you again.
10 Though the mountains be shaken
and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
nor my covenant of peace be removed,”
says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54:9-10

Yes! The unfailing love of God will not be shaken!

This is a somber Saturday, the time between the cross and resurrection, a time to reflect. Lord, help me to feel the pain the disciples felt that day. I can’t imagine the grief anymore than I can understand the pain a mother feels in childbirth, but I know the joy far outweighs the momentary hurt.

My prayer is to remember this pain as a way to understand the harsh reality for those who don’t know Christ; those who have abandoned beliefs they were taught from childhood or perhaps never understood in the first place. Help me, Lord, to grieve for those who don’t know you, to have a heart for the lost, those far from Christ, that don’t even know what Good Friday or Easter means.

 

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Good Friday

Read: Isaiah 53

Good Friday. Horrible Friday. Necessary Friday. I’ve always had trouble with the name we labeled for this day as we stop to remember that our savior was brutally tortured on a cross. Last night, Hope Fellowship provided a somber reminder of the process through The Way of the Cross, an expanded version of Stations of the Cross, that invites us to walk with Jesus from condemnation to the cross and beyond. At Hope Fellowship, the journey ends with an image of the resurrected Jesus, communion and an opportunity to pray. If it weren’t for resurrection of Jesus, all of this would be in vain as the Apostle Paul reminds us, “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” (1 Corinthians 15:14) The Way of the Cross reminds of the resurrection and gives us images to ponder today, Good Friday.

I simply can’t begin to think about Good Friday without knowing we will soon celebrate Great Easter!

Beginning next week we’ll read Isaiah’s vision, rich prophecies that spoke to people in the southern kingdom (Judah) as the northern kingdom was swept away into Assyrian exile. Isaiah’s words were incredibly important to the kings who listened in his day, but for our benefit he was given visions of the future that speak to us today. The timeless nature of his words provide an overwhelming assurance that God has a plan, has always been in control and will bring the story of humanity to a close at some point according to his word.

1 Who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
3 He was despised and rejected by mankind,
a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.
4 Surely he took up our pain
and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to our own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away.
Yet who of his generation protested?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
for the transgression of my people he was punished.
9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
and with the rich in his death,
though he had done no violence,
nor was any deceit in his mouth.
Isaiah 53:1-9

We have the great advantage of knowing the rest of the story when we read this incredible text. Jesus grew up like a root out of the ground, ordinary, unremarkable. As Brett Andrews alluded to in his sermon last week, Jesus’ entrance was anything but spectacular. If we would have written the story we would have had music, lights, parades, etc.–the world would know this is the king! But this is not God’s way of wooing back his people.

We held him in low esteem, we are the ones who had lost our way; sheep who have no clue. Who protested? No one could undo what was about to be done. Roman oppression was absolute. Once the process started, there was no undo.  Some realization along the way was far too late. The Roman strategy of publicly humiliating those they punished served their earthly rule well. Those that might have been on the fence would immediately turn away from this man who is apparently a criminal.

Some were still convinced that Jesus was the Messiah. Somewhere in the crowd Bartimaeus was watching with eyes renewed by this man Jesus (Mark 10:46-52). Others who were lame, lost, lonely–all could do nothing but let the spectacle of their savior unfold. Confused. Sad. Despondent.

Despite our inability to grasp what was happening, Jesus went to the cross. Whipped and beaten, unable to even carry the wooden device that would serve to hang him naked in front of everyone, Jesus accepted the journey.

For us.

Darkness.

Not the end.

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Remember Your Creator; Conclusion

Ecclesiastes 12

The last chapter in Ecclesiastes begins with a beautiful poem, an allegory that paints a vivid portrait of growing old and eventually leaving this mortal frame behind. Memories of my mom’s last days return and the mirror doesn’t lie, we all have a limited number of days on earth. Though mixed with sadness, my preference is to find inspiration in this reminder.

Remember your Creator
in the days of your youth,
before the days of trouble come
and the years approach when you will say,
“I find no pleasure in them”
Ecclesiastes 12:1

Time is waning. We have a story to tell, a song to sing, people who are far from Christ to invite. The poem continues to describe the loss of sight, strength, hearing, even teeth are gone. Gray hair announces old age.

Remember him—before the silver cord is severed,
and the golden bowl is broken;
before the pitcher is shattered at the spring,
and the wheel broken at the well,
and the dust returns to the ground it came from,
and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
Ecclesiastes 12:6-7

We are eternal beings caught up in flesh and bone for a time. Our world entices us to be far too concerned about outward appearance when it is our soul, our spirit that separates humankind from all others. Psalm 139 comes to mind again,

Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24

Lead me in the way everlasting, Lead me in the way of the cross as David Moore puts it in his song based on this psalm.

It’s so quiet in the early hours of the morning, the primary reason why I get up early to let scripture wash over me. I hope you have space in your day to let the words of Ecclesiastes 12:1-7 wash over you. I pray that you would be motivated to reach out to that one person who is far from Christ that comes to mind as you read the words, as images come to mind. Don’t delay.

Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the duty of all mankind.
For God will bring every deed into judgment,
including every hidden thing,
whether it is good or evil.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Lord, help us to share the great news of the Gospel, especially this Holy Week! Put opportunities in our path, in our daily walk and open our eyes to see those who are willing to listen if we would but utter the words. You have chosen us as your ambassadors, inspire us to act.

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:22-25

Hope. We have hope. Share the news!

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Wisdom and Joy

Ecclesiastes 9-11

This is Holy Week, Palm Sunday to Easter, the week that separates Jesus Christ from all others, Christ-followers from every other religious group. As we share the Gospel with those we love, friends and family that we desperately want to see in the arms of Christ, I pray they will cheat death and enjoy eternity with those who accept Jesus:

For the living know that they will die,
but the dead know nothing;
they have no further reward,
and even their name is forgotten.
Their love, their hate
and their jealousy have long since vanished;
never again will they have a part
in anything that happens under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 9:5-6

These particular verses, and the ones that follow, are rather blunt, unfiltered, even difficult to read. Verse 12 reminds us that “no one knows when their hour will come,” so we pray, earnest and with great haste. Yesterday was a full day of music, praise and worship for the one who defeated death once and for all. The lyrics washed over me again and again, tears seeping out as wave after wave of thoughts of those who I know have not accepted Christ, have not embraced grace so freely offered. I was reminded to pray for the lost, the ones who don’t even know they are lost, for loved ones and others I have yet to meet.

Wisdom, it seems, is at our fingertips, waiting to be grasped if we would but let go of vanity and selfish pride.

Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise,
and he saved the city by his wisdom.
But nobody remembered that poor man.
Ecclesiastes 9:15

No one remembered his name because, in my view, he was merely doing what he was called to do, his name was unimportant. Mother Teresa once said, “I’m a little pencil in the hand of a writing God, who is sending a love letter to the world.” This from a servant of God that gave her all for the least, the lost and the lonely. Amazing.

Perhaps too many times I think this should be my life verse:

If the ax is dull
and its edge unsharpened,
more strength is needed,
but skill will bring success.
Ecclesiastes 10:10

The way I read this is simple: I’m not very smart, but I will work harder than most until I succeed. It’s encouraging to read this proverb, especially with the work that is before me this week. Lord, I know my axe isn’t the sharpest, but give me strength and skill to pound through that which needs to be done for your glory!

Here’s a proverb I didn’t want to include, would just as soon erase it from my Bible and look the other way:

A feast is made for laughter,
wine makes life merry,
and money is the answer for everything.
Ecclesiastes 10:19

Really? Money is the answer for everything? Solomon’s words throughout Ecclesiastes are completely polar: good vs bad, right vs wrong, black or white, no in between. The wisdom of such is to stay out of the gray-zone, the land of indecisiveness. Just yesterday I said to Zoë, “I hate money,” and today I read this verse. Sigh.  Money is just a tool, love of money for the fool. It’s easy to think I have nothing when I look at bills and debt, but I know better. Forget the pity-party! This is just a season. It will pass. There are so many with so little and we have been blessed beyond comprehension. Lord, help me to be a better steward of the incredible wealth you have given me.

So we end with this benediction:

However many years anyone may live,
let them enjoy them all.
But let them remember the days of darkness,
for there will be many.
Everything to come is meaningless.
You who are young, be happy while you are young,
and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth.
Follow the ways of your heart
and whatever your eyes see,
but know that for all these things
God will bring you into judgment.
So then, banish anxiety from your heart
and cast off the troubles of your body,
for youth and vigor are meaningless.
Ecclesiastes 11:8-10

Enjoy, be happy, banish anxiety, cast off the troubles for as the Message version puts it: “Youth lasts about as long as smoke.” This isn’t a call to be frivolous, but it is a reminder that we don’t know the number of our days and we should not be so self-absorbed that we miss the joy that God has in mind for us. Satan wins if we buy into the opposite argument. Three times we see the word heart in this paragraph. My earnest prayer is that God would change hearts, make them more attuned to His ways. Then we can fully live with joy.  Lord, change my heart and help me to enjoy the limited number of days you have given me. May I lift up those around me who are sad, whose face is downcast.

The Road to Emmaus

I can’t help but append this post with an epilogue, I guess it’s just the season that reminds me of this amazing story:

As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
Luke 24:15-18

The risen Jesus Christ walked with them seven miles from Jerusalem to Emmaus…seven miles. The sad faces, the broken hearts of many are seen in these two as they cannot comprehend the impossibility that Jesus walks with them, that He is their resurrected savior. I completely understand them; I’m sure I would have done the same thing. I wish I had time this morning to unpack the whole Emmaus experience–powerful stuff!

Here’s the truth to be spoken over and over again:

Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Do not let your faces be downcast! Let the joy of He that is far greater show in our faces this Easter season!

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Proverbs 14 of 14: Epilogue – A Wife of Noble Character

Proverbs 31:10-31

Today we come to the Epilogue of Proverbs, words that describe an incredible woman, a wife that surpasses them all. Volumes have been published on this section in Proverbs, entire organizations founded to honor women, etc. I’m not trying to add to the list at all, just taking time this morning to honor my wife and listen for that which God wants me to hear today.

Strong and Independent Wife

It’s fascinating that a culture in which women are subjugated to men we find this passage that stands out among few that honors, even promotes, strength and wisdom of women, especially an amazing wife. To be clear, I’ve never thought of women as second-class or in any way inferior or superior to men. We were both created in the image of God, distinctly different and perfectly designed to be better as a couple than as two individuals. Oddly enough, as the proverbs that describes fools, sluggards, the wicked, etc., the image in my mind is always a man. Outside of the specific proverbs that address adulterous women, it’s men I see acting like idiots, so I guess it’s true–I am biased!

As a father of four daughters, my prayer is they would embrace the traits listed here, that they would be as strong and independent as their mom.

  1. virtuous and capable
  2. more precious than rubies
  3. trustworthy
  4. always does good
  5. works hard, tirelessly
  6. prudent in business
  7. prepared for all seasons
  8. kind to the poor
  9. resourceful
  10. full of wise words, speaks with kindness
  11. strong and dignified
  12. praised by her husband

As a husband of nearly 30 years, I see an accurate description of my amazing wife.

This isn’t a list to be checked each morning for compliance, it’s simply an observation that honors those who have found wisdom. More than that, this is a portrait of a woman that put wisdom to work.

Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.
Her husband can trust her,
and she will greatly enrich his life.
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
Proverbs 31:10-12

 

Time. Years, not minutes. It takes time to see the fruit of a solid moral character as described throughout Proverbs. In a society that always seems to be in a hurry, it’s important to slow down and reflect on the blessings that are right in front of us. When stressful days seem to overwhelm us, when we are at odds with circumstances that could tear our relationship apart, we take a walk and assure each other that our intention are good,  that we are on the same team. My wife is especially adept at navigating these times.

Her husband is well known at the city gates,
where he sits with the other civic leaders.
Proverbs 31:23

The result of selfless intent, my wife honors me and I hope to honor her. The evidence of which is noticed by others, but that isn’t the goal, just an observation.

She is clothed with strength and dignity,
and she laughs without fear of the future.
When she speaks, her words are wise,
and she gives instructions with kindness.
Proverbs 31:25-26

Strong, intelligent, wise, confident, independent–just a few words that describe my wife. Being independent is not often a quality that people appreciate in marriage, but one that is incredibly important to me. She speaks with confidence and wisdom…kindness is a goal!

Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her:
“There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
but you surpass them all!”
Proverbs 31:28-29

No doubt about it, our children will happily stand and provide testimony to their mom. The bookends of a great poem to an amazing wife, no pressure dear, you are indeed virtuous and capable!

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
Proverbs 31:30

Wisdom begins with reverent fear of the Lord, with deep knowledge of the truth that comes from the Lord of creation. Knowing my wife is one that seeks to honor God in all she does challenges me to do the same. I hope we are better as a result.

Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
Proverbs 31:31

 

Amen!

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Proverbs 13 of 14 – Appendices: Sayings of Agur and Lemuel

Read: Proverbs 30:1-31:9

Yesterday we concluded the recorded proverbs of Solomon and today we read from two different perspectives: Agur and Lemuel. It’s interesting reviewing scholarly descriptions of these two characters, explanations and translations. The NIV Application Commentary on Proverbs provides this conclusion: “Scholars have written much and agreed little concerning this translation” (p. 655). So today, rather than attempt to dive into historical writings and languages I have zero knowledge about, I think I’ll just look for words of wisdom.

Agur

Chapter 30 captures the ancient wisdom of Agur with words that sound like Job speaking.

“I am weary, God,
but I can prevail.
Surely I am only a brute, not a man;
I do not have human understanding.
I have not learned wisdom,
nor have I attained to the knowledge of the Holy One.
Proverbs 30:1-3

In all humility, I must agree with Agur, I have no wisdom or understanding compared to God, but I am completely confident in the knowledge that He is the God of the universe, “Every word of God is flawless” (Proverbs 30:5). Agur provides some key learning points for us to consider:

Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
Proverbs 30:8

May we be known as a people of integrity. I truly believe that if Christ-followers could walk in humility and wisdom at the same time, if the church, the collective body of believers, would fully embrace the idea of loving one another, people would break down the doors to join us. Lord, help us to have the kind of integrity that is so inviting and completely free of selfish gain.

Agur reminds us that there are those who self-centered in this world, they consider themselves pure and look down on others; their words are harsh and they have no consideration for the poor. This observation may be 2,000+ years old, but it is ever true today. It’s remarkable to see human nature described in ancient writings that are completely attributable to people we see in contemporary settings.

Agur’s final words provide a simple plan:

“If you play the fool and exalt yourself,
or if you plan evil,
clap your hand over your mouth!
For as churning cream produces butter,
and as twisting the nose produces blood,
so stirring up anger produces strife.”
Proverbs 30:32-33

Lord, keep me humble and shut my mouth when I act like a fool! Help me to see when I’m venturing into this territory and redirect my path. I don’t want to act like a fool, but not because of pride or embarrassment. I’m more concerned that I will trip someone who is genuinely seeking to know you, that they will see my behavior and delay or abandon their desire to hear The Gospel.

Lemuel

The first nine verses of chapter 31, the Sayings of King Lemuel (as taught by his mother), provide a call to action.

Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb!
Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!
…
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Proverbs 31:2, 8-9

In the few verses in between, Lemuel recants the wisdom his mother taught him: stop getting drunk and chasing women! That’s pretty clear and direct, we simply can’t miss the message there.

In contrast to Agur’s words, Lemuel’s words give us the impetus to act, to do something, not just sit and watch others. Speak up for those who can’t represent themselves, especially the poor and needy.

So there you have it, clap your mouth and speak up. Clear direction for today!

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Proverbs 12 of 14 – More Proverbs of Solomon

Read: Proverbs 27-29

Several themes wind through these three chapters. I could read these each day and hear different voices speaking truth based on the day’s circumstances. I hope to gain wisdom, avoid being a fool and learn more today than yesterday by listening to instructions written here so plainly.

Fools

Fools, not something anyone wants to be associated with in the least, but something we hear about over and over in Proverbs.

  • Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both. Proverbs 27:3
  • Though you grind a fool in a mortar, grinding them like grain with a pestle, you will not remove their folly from them. Proverbs 27:22
  • Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. Proverbs 28:26
  • If a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace. Proverbs 29:9
  • Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11
  • Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them. Proverbs 29:20

The second bullet really caught my attention: fools are fools all the way through! Before I jump to the conclusion that “they” are bad, I need to carefully examine myself. How many times have I been a provocateur? Or trusted in myself? Or fully vented my anger in rage? Too many times have I spoken in haste. Surely I have been a fool at times. Lord, help me to be less of a fool today than yesterday! Help me to repeat that prayer until foolish ways are erased from my character.

Prayer

If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction,
even their prayers are detestable.
Proverbs 28:9

This stands alone in this reading, but popped out to me as a significant proverb that I don’t want to miss. Frances Chan referred to this (among others) in his discussion (aka, rant) about Jehovah’s Witnesses approaching him. The idea that prayers can be detestable is shocking, extreme, sobering. Lord, help us to listen intently to your instruction!

Rulers

I tried to ignore these verses, not wanting to wade into the pool of discontent, but here you go:

  • When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding. Proverbs 28:12
  • When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive. Proverbs 28:28
  • When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. Proverbs 29:2
  • If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked. Proverbs 29:12
  • When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall. Proverbs 29:16

Lord, the leaders in our country fall into these categories too often because so many have turned away from you. I pray that we learn how to navigate the rough waters, that we don’t shy away from the causes that are negatively affected by poor leadership and selfish motivation. Help us to call out the wickedness by shining a light of wisdom with intelligence and strength. Give us strength and courage to stand in this battle with the assurance that righteousness will indeed prevail.

Iron Sharpens Iron

I cannot leave this reading without including this great proverb:

As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17

It is my prayer and hope to surround myself with people that are sharper than myself, harder in a way because they have been through refining fires and persevered honorably giving God the glory. I want to associate with these leaders and learn from their experience to expose my own flaws and hopefully sharpen my gifts for the Kingdom today as well as tomorrow.

There is so much work to be done, so many who are off course. I know I’m far from perfect, but I choose to serve the one who is and who is to come. Lord, help this translate into effective discipleship as I greatly desire to leave a wake of disciples who make disciples.

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Proverbs 11 of 14 – Further Sayings and Proverbs of the Wise

Read: Proverbs 24:23-26:28 and Psalm 90

There is great wisdom in today’s reading, so much that it’s impractical for me to cover in detail. I pray you will take time to read this section and find that which speaks to your heart this morning.

Coming home from a consultation weekend, I’m incredibly humbled to think that we might have any insight worthy of consideration, but here’s why I think it works and how it applies to reading through proverbs: when we gather together with sincere hearts that are committed to building Christ’s church without selfish ambition or hidden agendas; when we share thoughts surrounded by love and covered in prayer; when we listen earnestly to those who desire to serve Christ above all others; then our words, in communion with the Holy Spirit, convey wisdom and wise decisions prevail. There is no single person or thought that drives the direction; it is a collective effort of like-minded Christ-followers seeking His will above all else–at least that is my prayer!

And so, as my friend Tony Jeck would often say, let’s consider some highlights of proverbs in Proverbs 24:23-34, the last part of chapter 24 followed by a compilation of Solomon’s proverbs by Hezekiah’s men (the rest of today’s reading), some 200+ years after King Solomon.

Here are some that stuck out to me.

An honest answer
is like a kiss on the lips.
Proverbs 24:26

Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,
and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
Proverbs 25:15

One of my father’s favorite proverbs:

If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the Lord will reward you.
Proverbs 25:21-22

Kindness and honesty are a crucial couple. My dad would often tell me, “kill them with kindness” and “keep your enemies close.” I’m sure he was referring to this proverb as he lived out his faith genuinely and demonstrated to us this was more important than winning an argument. As much as we want to love our neighbors, we know that sense is not always reciprocated. But our challenge remains nonetheless: keep love as a priority and let God deal with those with hardened hearts.

Proverbs 26:1-12 — Fools

If I’m ever wondering if my actions are like that of a fool, these 12 verses provide something to consider. It seems to me there is much tension between dealing with a fool and loving others. At what point does our neighbor become a fool? Perhaps this is why there are so many proverbs on judgment, using honest scales, wisely seeking counsel, being truthful, etc. Somehow we must be good judges that don’t elevate ourselves above others yet know how to identify fools and respond appropriately. Here is yet another call for working together with others who are trying to work out their faith in Jesus. Lord, help me to surround myself with wise, discerning believers that will help me learn the difference between a fool and foolish behavior. Help me to see both and respond as you would, to call out the behavior and lead people back to you gently.

So much wisdom to consider. I leave you with this thought, this great prayer and constant desire for us all:

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands.
Psalms 90:17

Lord, may the work of our hands be useful in building your kingdom here on earth today.

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