2019 Feb 13 Proverbs 13, Psalms, John 13
2019 Feb 13 Proverbs 13, Psalms, John 13
A warm welcome to all, wishing a good day for you! Let's continue in Proverbs 13, verses 17-21:
"17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, But a faithful envoy brings healing. 18 Whoever neglects discipline comes to poverty and disgrace, But the one accepting correction will be glorified. 19 Desire when realized is sweet to a person, But the stupid hate to turn away from bad. 20 The one walking with the wise will become wise, But the one who has dealings with the stupid will fare badly. 21 Calamity pursues sinners, But prosperity rewards the righteous."
Prove 13:17 An evil messenger may fall to distorting the message for his own greed, or selfish gain. Such was the case with Gehazi, an attendant of God's prophet Elisha. After Naaman, the army chief of the king of Syria took ill with leprosy, an Israelite girl told him he could be cured by a prophet of the true God, Jehovah. Elisha tells him to wash in the Jordan, the river of Israel, seven times and he would be cleansed. He eventually humbles himself to do so, and is cured! He wants to give a gift to Elisha for his cure, but Elisha takes no credit, giving it to Jehovah God. After departing, however, Elisha's attendant Gehazi begins to get greedy, thinking he could receive the gift intended for Elisha. Gehazi actually returns to Naaman, at which Naaman asks "Is everything all right?" Gehazi then delivers his false "message." 2Kings 5:22 says: "To this he said: “All is well. My master has sent me, saying, ‘Look! Just now two young men from the mountainous region of Eʹphra·im from the sons of the prophets came to me. Give them, please, a talent of silver and two changes of garments.’”" He receives his "gift" and eventually returns to Elisha, who says to him: "Where did you come from, Gehazi?" He answers "Your servant did not go anywhere." Verses 26,27 explains what happened next: "26 E·liʹsha said to him: “Was my heart not there with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is it a time to accept silver or to accept garments or olive groves or vineyards or sheep or cattle or male or female servants? 27 Now Naʹa·man’s leprosy will stick to you and your descendants forever.” Immediately he went out from before him a leper, white as snow." What a lesson! May we never lie, cheat, or steal in the name of Jehovah!
Prove 13:18 It is "only fools [that] despise wisdom and discipline." Their neglect of discipline, or the loving correction offered by others, continues their foolishness, and leads them to "poverty and disgrace." A truly wise person "listens and takes in more instruction." Such a person is humble, willing to accept correction, and "will be glorified" in God's way and time.
Prove 13:19 We need to be careful, as "expectation postponed is making the heart sick." So we should not spend undue time longing for things that may not come when we expect. Also, "do not be planning ahead for the desires of the flesh." So, while having right desires, wait until they come, then we may rejoice in the gift of God we desire, and it will be "sweet to a person." May we avoid spiritual stupidity, by learning to hate what is bad in the genuine fear of Jehovah, desiring never to displease Him.
Prove 13:20 It is 1Corinthians 15:33 that cautions "Bad associations spoil useful habits." So may we diligently find truly"wise" persons to enjoy good company with, those who love Jehovah, turn away from bad, loving what is right in God's eyes, what is truly right and good for the benefit of all long-term, to live peacefully and endlessly before God.
Prove 13:21 Calamity pursues, or "chases after" sinners, as they eventually experience the undesirable consequences of badness afterward. The righteous, however, tend to enjoy prosperity, the results that come from holding to God's standards. Coupled with blessings from God, right-hearted ones find great reward in serving Him, in doing His will.
Psalm 102 (Book 4, 13th psalm) is called this: "A prayer of the oppressed one when he is in despair and pours out his concern before Jehovah." When in distress, do we rely solely on our own knowledge or understanding of things, trying to escape on our own? OR, do we turn to Jehovah God in prayer, holding to His standards, never violating His guidance, the way of the truth? (Prove 3:5-7). We have many examples in the Scriptures and otherwise of those keeping integrity to God under trials, trusting that "God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation, he will also make the way out in order for you to be able to endure it." (1Cori 10:13). Whatever we may have to put up with during the remaining days of this "system of things," let us not give up our firm hold on "the everlasting life" that God holds out to those who serve Him. (1Timo 6:11,12). James 1:12 says "Happy is the man who keeps on enduring trial, because on becoming approved he will receive the crown of life, which Jehovah promised to those who continue loving Him." Regardless of what we may endure, notice Psalm 102, keeping in mind that "Zion" refers to rulership by God, represented by Christ and his anointed co-rulers. Verses 15-22: "The nations will fear the name of Jehovah, And all the kings of the earth your glory. 16 For Jehovah will rebuild Zion; He will appear in his glory. 17 He will pay attention to the prayer of the destitute; He will not despise their prayer. 18 This is written for the future generation, So that a people yet to be brought forth will praise Jah. 19 For he looks down from his holy height, From the heavens Jehovah views the earth, 20 To hear the sighing of the prisoner, To release those sentenced to death, 21 So that the name of Jehovah will be declared in Zion And his praise in Jerusalem, 22 When the peoples and kingdoms Gather together to serve Jehovah." May we stand on the side of Jehovah and Jesus, firm for God's ways leading to true peace and happiness among mankind.
John 13:1 John makes a lovely report of Jesus' determination as his days dwindled: "1 Now because he knew before the festival of the Passover that his hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father, Jesus, having loved his own who were in the world, loved them to the end." What marvelous words, lessons, and expressions of affection Jesus shared with his apostles and disciples nearing his death! May we appreciate such loving thoughts as Christ left us a model, "in order for you to follow his steps closely." (1Peter 2:21).
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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!
