2018 Dec 07 Proverbs 7, Psalms, Matthew 7
2018 Dec 07 Proverbs 7, Psalms, Matthew 7
Welcome to all, and warm wishes for a wonderful day! Before continuing in Proverbs 7, it would be best to search "Nov 07" and read the introduction to verses 6-27, which compose a story warning against destructive sexual immorality. That segment then considered verses 6-12. Let's pick up with verses 13-16.
"13 She grabs hold of him and gives him a kiss; With a bold face, she says to him: 14 “I had to offer communion sacrifices. Today I paid my vows. 15 That is why I came out to meet you, To look for you, and I found you! 16 I have spread fine covers upon my bed, Colorful linen from Egypt."
Prov 7:13 While her husband is away on a journey, this unfaithful woman has immorality on her mind. Not only can such an act cost us everlasting life with a loyal marriage partner, but it can have devastating effects now on our spirituality and our relationships with others. (1Cor 6:9-11). It causes us to lose our sense of loyalty and faithfulness to God and others. It leads us astray from God's righteous standards, which promote true happiness and peace among people.
Prov 7:14,15 This woman wants to believe that offering a few sacrifices to God is enough to make up for her serious sin, her serious lack of integrity to God. This is not the case. We must seek loyalty to God, and only in the case of sincere repentance, with a turning around to serve God faithfully might forgiveness be extended in God's mercy.
Prov 7:16 This woman clearly has meditated on her immoral desire, preparing her bed for such activity while her husband is away. How she tries to entice this young man into a disobedient course bringing ruin to their spiritual lives. Is that true love? To engage someone in a practice that threatens your and that one's future of everlasting life with a loyal marriage partner? How much better to treasure God's marriage arrangement, and trust in Him to find that person that you can enjoy a lovely lifetime with together, looking forward to the day of your marriage for satisfying appropriate sexual desire. Such is the privilege of the marriage bond, with a willingness to love God first, and then this person like no other, as "one flesh." (Gene 2:24). This is a treasured bond of loyal love, loving one another as you help each other be loyal to the God of love, Jehovah, who is the Ultimate Giver of "every good and perfect gift." (James 1:17).
The 7th letter of the Hebrew alphabet begins each of next 8 verses of Psalm 119:
"49 Remember your word to your servant, Through which you give me hope. 50 This is my comfort in my affliction, For your saying has preserved me alive. 51 The presumptuous utterly scorn me, But I do not deviate from your law. 52 I remember your judgments from of old, O Jehovah, And I find comfort in them. 53 I am seized with burning rage because of the wicked, Who forsake your law. 54 Your regulations are songs to me Wherever I dwell. 55 During the night I remember your name, O Jehovah, So that I may keep your law. 56 This has been my practice Because I have observed your orders."
Let us focus on two areas of this portion, first on the matter of hope, a vital need for each of us. Verse 49 mentions that it was through God's word to the psalmist that he received hope. God's inspired word, the Bible, also lays the basis for genuine hope of eternal life, and the future resurrection of our loved ones. Truly this hope can comfort us through difficult trials, or a time of "affliction." Let's also look at the area mentioned in verses 55,56. The psalmist remembered God's name, that he might "keep [His] law." God's name, Jehovah, has meaning, literally "He Causes to Become." He can cause all of His purposes to be fulfilled, and even cause you to become all you need to be for you to do the will of God wholeheartedly. Referring to God's name also brings to mind His reputation. As a Christian servant of our Righteous God, representing Him before others, we should uphold God's reputation in all our dealings and conduct. Keeping in mind God's reputation each day gives us powerful motivation to "keep [His] law," and 'observe [His] orders.'
Matthew 7:9-11, after encouraging his followers to be persistent in their requests to God, Jesus says this: "9 Indeed, which one of you, if his son asks for bread, will hand him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, he will not hand him a serpent, will he? 11 Therefore, if you, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will your Father who is in the heavens give good things to those asking him!"
May these expressions move us to appreciate the truth about our loving heavenly Father, Jehovah--how much He loves us and wants the best for us! He also wants so much to hear from us on a regular basis, with the privilege of prayerful communication. We can speak with Him regarding even little things in our life--He cares for us! (1Pet 5:7). May we pray and also read His word regularly, to listen to the thoughts of God transmitted to print! (Psal 1:1-3). Prayer and regular reading and study of God's word can add so much to our life, and allow God to use us to touch the lives of others.


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