2019 Jan 30 Proverbs 30, Psalms, Titus 2
2019 Jan 30 Proverbs 30, Psalms, Titus 2
Welcome, wishing you a happy day! Let's pick up where we left off in Proverbs 30, this time verses 15-19:
"15 The leeches have two daughters that cry, “Give! Give!” There are three things that do not get satisfied, Four that never say, “Enough!” 16 —The Grave and a barren womb, A land that is deprived of water, And fire that never says, “Enough!” 17 The eye that mocks a father and despises obedience to a mother—The ravens of the valley will peck it out, And the young eagles will eat it up. 18 There are three things that are beyond my comprehension, And four that I do not understand: 19 The way of an eagle in the heavens, The way of a serpent on a rock, The way of a ship in the open sea, And the way of a man with a young woman."
Prove 30:15 Bloodsucking leeches might be considered greedy for blood. Greedy ones among mankind will have children that themselves cry "Give!" Their greed will be exposed by their own children or female followers. How much better for such ones to realize their erring ways, turn to God with repentance, and begin to appreciate what they have, looking to God to provide for what they truly want or need, in His own way and time, becoming "satisfied" with what they have. The proverbs goes on to spell out four things that are never satisfied:
Prove 30:16 These four things have caused tremendous grief among mankind, as these are mostly things God never intended for mankind to have to bear. First is the Grave--the resting place of those "sleeping in death," awaiting the "resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous." (Acts 24:15) 1Thessalonians 4:13 says "...we do not want you to be ignorant about those who are sleeping in death, so that you may not sorrow as the rest do who have no hope." Thus while especially an untimely death can cause us great pain or sorrow, we can cope having a real hope, for their return to life in God's abundant mercy and loyal love. Such ones are alive in God's memory, as He is yearning for the time to wipe away tears of sorrow by bringing such ones back to life. As Job put it, at Job 14:13-15, "O that in the Grave you would conceal me...That you would set a time limit for me and remember me!...You will call, and I will answer you. You will long for the work of your hands." Another thing that never says "enough!" is a barren womb. Most married women, especially as they truly learn of God's ways and wish to bear a child to love and raise, may be greatly saddened when not able to produce. In the Scriptures, "sons are an inheritance from Jehovah; the fruit of the womb is a reward." So, especially in ancient times among God's people, women may have been more pained at not bearing offspring. May such ones today keep their desire before God, and carefully, husband and wife together, examine themselves spiritually to ensure God's blessing on their humble course of godly devotion. Perhaps for some, it may not be the best time, and God may want such ones to wait for His coming new world. Whatever the case, may we rely on God to endure any such challenges. Another thing that is never satisfied is a "land that is deprived of water." Dry spells, more common in summer, have been grievous among mankind, as water is such a life-sustaining provision. It wouldn't hurt to have a place for storing some safe water, for measuring out carefully in a time of deprivation. Finally, "fire that never says, Enough!" What devastation has been experienced, even in modern times, by wildfires. What great distress this has caused among mankind. At least, may we avoid a materialistic attitude, treasuring our relationships and lives of our family members and neighbors far more than material things. Along these lines, let's make sure our home is properly equipped with smoke, CO detectors and the like, as well as appropriate fire extinguishers within reach as available, training all in the home what to do in an emergency and how to use these when necessary. Some have taken certain precautions to preserve memories of loved ones, perhaps copying or digitizing cherished photos, storing these and/or sending them to loved ones living in other areas, as a precaution. You might find help or pay to have this done if unsure yourself. Nevertheless, what a loss it still is when much of our life's accumulation is gone! May we keep in mind our treasured relationship with God, and the everlasting life He wants us to enjoy with loved ones, so we are not so devastated by such a loss if such should ever occur, ever relying on God, appreciating what we do have.
Prove 30:17 How vital to help young ones to appreciate our discipline as being moved by our love for them. Be careful who may try to teach them to mock the loving discipline of parents or guardians, whether other youths or even TV or movie personalities, or even from music. Especially guard their associations until they come to appreciate your loving care for them, as you help them also develop their love for God and respect for His word and ways. Work to maintain good communication with your precious children, continually growing yourselves in the love of God and in His wisdom, improving in your ability to teach and cherish your children.
Prove 30:18,19 Such things ultimately glorify Jehovah God as our wise and loving "Grand Creator."
Psalm 89:49-52 concludes this informative psalm--it reads: "Where are your former acts of loyal love, O Jehovah, That you swore about to David in your faithfulness? 50 Remember, O Jehovah, the taunts hurled at your servants; How I have to bear the taunts of all the peoples; 51 How your enemies have hurled insults, O Jehovah; How they have insulted every footstep of your anointed one. 52 May Jehovah be praised forever. Amen and Amen."
Therefore, the foretold events God inspired will cause taunts and insults by those not respecting God or His people--these we must bear, especially God's chosen ruler. Nevertheless, God's purpose will succeed, as many embrace God's purpose of a happy, eternal life for all turning to true worship. May we put up with anything we must endure, trusting God to remove such shame in His own time and way, resulting in great exultation and rejoicing among His people, into eternity. May Jehovah be praised for His great power to accomplish His wonderful purpose for mankind!
Titus 2:12 mentions qualities that the undeserved kindness of God helps us to live by, including "godly devotion." This was mentioned recently, as we examined 2Peter 2:9 saying that "...Jehovah knows how to rescue people of godly devotion out of trial, but to reserve unrighteous people to be destroyed on the day of judgment." What does this godly devotion involve? It is a close attachment to Jehovah God, that is cultivated over time, with a determination to be loyally obedient to Him, loving Him by such obedience. As 1John 5:3 says, "For this is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome." Therefore, with such devotion, we are not simply doing what is right, simply because it benefits us. Rather, God becomes our focus, and our relationship with Him becomes central to our existence, appreciating Him as the Source of our life, our family, and every "good gift and perfect present." (James 1:17). May we continue to grow in our relationship with God, as we value true Christian virtues and guidelines, praying for the self-control necessary to abide by these, with endurance through trials, making possible this genuine reliance on God, learning to love Him with our 'whole heart, soul (or, entire being), and mind.' (Matt 22:37-40).
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!
