READ, MEDITATE, PRAY 18 May 2020
BE STRONG IN THE LORD AND IN HIS MIGHTY POWER.
(Ephesians 6: 10)
READ:
– PROVERBS 9.
– ECCLESIASTES 2: 12 – 16.
– 1 CORINTHIANS 1: 18 – 25.
– JAMES 3: 1 – 12.
MEDITATE:
on Wisdom. In Proverbs 9:10 we read: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Dictionary.com says: Wisdom is the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgement as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight.
I don’t find any contradiction between these two definitions if I read them in this order; in fact, they really complement each other. Within this COVID-19 Pandemic-crisis there is a growing pressure and need on governments to plan and act truly wisely and for the people to act and live accordingly. It is also true, that fear suddenly became part of our everyday life.
In the Bible, the word fear can mean several things. It can refer to the terror one feels in a frightening situation, it can mean respect in the way a servant fears his master. Fear can also denote the reverence and awe a person feel in the presence of greatness. The Fear of the Lord is a combination of all these. The link between the Fear of the Lord and wisdom means we cannot possess wisdom if we recreate God in our own imagination, trying to “tame” Him into a non-threatening nobody. God deserves to be feared and that fear begins when we see Him in His majesty and power. Time will tell that sin is foolish and righteousness is wise and those who live faithfully to God are on the true path of wisdom (Proverbs 8:12-13; 13:20; 19:8). What a faithful and powerful confession emerges: – I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere Him (Ecclesiastes 3;14). Paul adds to it: For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but for us who are being saved it is the power of God (1. Corinthians 1: 18). Apostle James speaks about the practicality of true wisdom: With the same tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it curse men, who have been made is God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. (James 3: 9-10) Indeed, THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM. . .
PRAY FOR:
– wisdom and knowledge of God,
– God’s blessing on every human being,
– numbering our days with a heart of wisdom (Ps.90:12),
– wise decisions of our, and every government,
– every person affected by the Pandemic,
– the support and comfort of God through the Church,
– Home Farm Care Home: residents and carers, all Care homes and anxious or grieving family members.
THE LORD’S PRAYER, – don’t forget, – is always available to you.
MAY THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH TRANSCENDS ALL UNDERSTANDING, GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND YOUR MINDS IN CHRIST JESUS. AMEN.
Sandor, your Minister.
