A devotional reading arising out of a study of Proverbs 9:10,11
A devotional reading arising out of a study of Proverbs 9:10,11
Text: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life." - Proverbs 9:10,11
I am hoping that my thoughts are establishing the understanding that we need not be afraid of God. In Psalm 89:7, we find insight to help us experience a balanced approach to a relationship with the Almighty. I quote," God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be held in reverence by all those around Him." In the parallelism of this text we see that fear of God equates to reverence or respect.
God certainly is worthy of our respect and reverence. After all, He is the Creator God "who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see"(1 Timothy 6:16). In Acts 17:28, the Apostle Paul says that it is in "Him we live and move and have our being...".
As our Creator, the Lord has perspective that we would do well to consider. He knows of our giftedness. He knows of the high ideals and potential that He invested in us in creation. In Romans 12:3 we find that "God has given to each one a measure of faith." And in 1 Corinthians 12:7, "the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the profit of all."
His invitation is for all to partner with Him that we might experience the fullness of His strength and ability as He leads us to the zenith of our potential. In Matthew 11:28-30, the Lord calls to us. "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
In biblical times, the yoke often harnessed two oxen and in this context we see that the Lord bears with us the burdens and challenges of life, if we yoke up with Him.
Perhaps the most encouraging symbolism is found in the covenant ritual. I would have much more to share on this, but I will share one text. When David and Jonathan entered into a covenant relationship as detailed in 1 Samuel 18:3,4, we see in the symbolism what the Lord offers us as we enter into an intentional relationship with Him. I quote, "Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan took off the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armour, even to his sword and his bow and his belt."
In the exchange of robes, we see in Jesus the offer to take the "filthy robes"of our righteousness(Isaiah 64:6), and replace them with His robe of perfection. Todays text reminds that the knowledge of God and His understanding will add many years to our lives. Only those whose sins have preceded them to judgement through confession, repentance and surrender to Jesus receive His righteous robe. Without it, we do not have the assurance of eternal life.
He also offers to assume the responsibility of the battle with our enemies, as symbolized in the exchange of weapons. According to the Apostle Paul, our battle is a spiritual one and we must armour up(Ephesians 6). For the Christian, the blessings and benefits of a relationship with Jesus are ours as we pray and surrender ourselves into the care and keeping of Christ daily. He intervenes for us because He wants us to succeed and to rise above the entanglements of sin.
And finally, in the exchange of belts, which held the weaponry, we see a picture of the confidence and security that God offers us as He fulfills His commitment to us. According to Psalm 46, God wants to be a place of refuge for us, but we have to run to Him to fully experience His protection.
Wisdom is knowledge applied. To have a theoretical or practical understanding of salvation, or even a sense of familiarity gained by experience in spiritual things is not enough. We are seeing in this text, a call to a deep, life changing, self crucifying relationship whereby God replaces our sinful hearts and grants us hearts that beat in harmony with His will and way.
We re talking about deep, soul surgery. It is a sovereign work of God that enables us to trust Him implicitly. To reverence God is the best first step that we can take concerning a saving relationship. In and of ourselves, we are in a desperate spiritual condition. It is our privilege to choose life. Abundant life in Christ.
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear ..."(1 John 4:18). Take a step of faith today and ask God to prayerfully help you to understand His will. "Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved"(Psalm 55:22). The Lord promises to partner with You and He will. He will cover you with His righteousness and all the blessings and assurance He offers concerning today and eternity will be yours. Partake of His promise. Embrace it by faith and may God be with you.