2019 Feb 06 Proverbs 6, Psalms, Matthew 6
2019 Feb 06 Proverbs 6, Psalms, Matthew 6
Hi and welcome to all, with well wishes! From time to time may we be reminded that to truly benefit properly from consideration of spiritual matters, a prayer to Jehovah can bring His powerful and loving support in our endeavor. Who wouldn't want that? And could we show appreciation when finished, with a few words of appreciation to Him? How wonderful to experience the blessing of Jehovah! This time, let's begin with Proverbs 6:23-29:
"23 For the commandment is a lamp, And the law is a light, And the reproofs of discipline are the way to life. 24 They will guard you against the bad woman, Against the seductive tongue of the immoral woman. 25 Do not desire her beauty in your heart Or allow her to captivate you with her alluring eyes, 26 For because of a prostitute, a man is reduced to a loaf of bread, But the wife of another man preys on a precious life. 27 Can a man rake fire to his chest and not burn his garments? 28 Or can a man walk on hot coals without scorching his feet? 29 It is the same with anyone having relations with his neighbor’s wife; No one who touches her will go unpunished."
Prove 6:23 God's specific commands brighten and help to guide each step, while his law lightens our path, or the road ahead. The "reproofs of discipline", "reproof" referring to strong but loving counsel or correction, are said to be "the way to life." May we strive hard not to pridefully refuse such counsel when given, especially when we know we need it. Or we may need to strive harder to fight our pride when we don't think we need it! Often we really do but don't think we do! Regardless, it usually requires great love for a parent or someone else to approach us with such reproof--they may have prayed to Jehovah for the wisdom to do so properly. Let's aim to be thankful for such counsel, even if we have a hard time swallowing it, and even if we are not sure if we deserved it. Perhaps it would be best to soon after pray to Jehovah about the matter, searching our heart for how best to apply what we've heard or received. Remember, that "those whom Jehovah loves he disciplines, in fact, he scourges everyone whom he receives as a son.” Therefore, 1Peter 5:5-7 says "But all of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones. 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time, 7 while you throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you."
Prove 6:24,25 These "reproofs of discipline," along with God's laws and commands, will guard one against the "seductive tongue" of an immoral woman, and with appropriate warnings should move us to steer far away from desiring her beauty in our heart. We should reserve such desire for the spiritual and physical beauty of the wife that God can allow us to find, being captivated by her eyes, and no one else's. Recall that the punishment for immorality in the Mosaic Law provided by God was severe, bringing strong repercussions, or consequences. This was to teach mankind the seriousness of the offense, that the effects spiritually and perhaps physically are significantly detrimental, promoting disloyalty to God and others, and toward the bond or covenant of marriage, which we should rather want to treasure and appreciate for an eternity!
Prove 6:26 What are some of the consequences of being seduced by an immoral woman, be she a prostitute or the wife of another man? Regarding the prostitute, the verse says the man is "reduced to a loaf of bread." Clearly, any material wealth is squandered, over time, as she entices him to give up what he has. Both the man and the woman are shown willing to violate God's standards to get what they want, not living a life of honest integrity. Thus they are not having God's approval, blessing, or prosperity by Him. If the woman is the wife of another man, she "preys on a precious life," as the violation of adultery is a serious violation of trust and loyalty, that threatens the very life, spiritually and physically, of those involved. These days, however, we must keep in mind that God can completely understand the motives and circumstances. If repentance is shown, it is up to the wronged mate to decide whether to forgive the erring one, and work to restore trust in the relationship. Willfully choosing to continue sexual intercourse with the erring one is evidence that such forgiveness has been extended. If there are problems in the marriage to begin with, rather than violating any of God's standards, can we not promptly beseech Jehovah, the Originator of the Marriage Arrangement, for His assistance?
Prove 6:27-29 We must realize and look for the consequences of our behavior before doing something or making some decision that may be important. This is shown by the illustration of raking fire to one's chest. There are consequences. Will not one's garments get burned? Such is an apt illustration regarding immorality, as such an act will sully spiritual garments--our Christian identification and many Christlike qualities can be seriously damaged, leaving off vital faith or trust in God and faithfulness to Him and others. Also, if you would walk on hot coals, would there not be an effect? Would it not scorch your feet? We should never undervalue the spiritual implications of our behavior, just because we may not yet understand all of the effects. God's loving warning should be enough until we do. It is an aspect of divine wisdom, foresighted shrewdness, or prudence, that involves seeing the consequences of our actions and decisions, so as to hate and avoid the wrong path. Proverbs 22:3 accordingly cautions: "The shrewd one sees the danger and conceals himself, But the inexperienced keep right on going and suffer the consequences."
Psalm 95 (Book 4, 6th psalm) exalts Jehovah as "a great God, a great King over all other gods," moving us to "shout joyfully to Jehovah," and to have a spirit of thanksgiving when we come into his presence, to worship or in prayer. (Verses 1-3). The "mountain peaks," the sea and the dry land He "formed" and belong to Him. Therefore we should bow to "Jehovah our Maker." (Verses 4-6). As "sheep in His care" we should therefore "listen to His voice," and be careful not to 'harden our hearts,' pridefully refusing His loving correction or guidance. Rather, may our hearts be soft and malleable in the hands of Jehovah, letting Him guide and correct us as He sees fit, loving and gladly serving Him faithfully. (Verses 7-11)
Matthew 6:9-13 contains the Lord's Model Prayer, or the "Our Father" Prayer. While it is good to have it in mind, Jesus shares it after instructing His disciples not to pray by rote, saying "the same things over and over again." (verse 7,8) Our prayers should therefore not be mechanical, but truly from a heart of love. Notice the things that are most important, coming first in the prayer:
"9 “You must pray, then, this way: “‘Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. 10 Let your Kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also on earth. 11 Give us today our bread for this day; 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the wicked one.’"
Clearly, the interests of God are of much greater important than our own--is that not reasonable, as our Life-giver, Creator, and Universal Sovereign? Let's show we appreciate that by tending to draw attention to His interests earlier in our prayers when we can. Thus we're learning godly devotion, to treasure our privileged relationship with God, seeking loyalty to Him and His ways, putting His interests before ours, while He cares for us. Is not His name and reputation of great importance? And certainly, for the benefit of humanity, we want God's Kingdom to come at the right time, ushering in many blessings on human society, eventually restoring true peace and happiness in harmony with the will of Jehovah. We may still offer personal requests of our loving God, seeking daily needs and forgiveness for mistakes, as well as salvation and protection from temptations of evil. Let's appreciate this prayer as a general outline of occasional prayers offered in line with Gods' will.
Find Life and See
Between Winchester, Virginia, and hopefully, Washington D.C., having confidence that our thankful trust in God will not fail to inspire us to the peace He has purposed via His Kingdom!
