Hello Saints,
We are in interesting times! Are you looking at the signs? Are you paying attention to what is happening in the world? To me, the remainder of Proverbs 30 describes a man, anyone really, who is observing life around him, and finding parallels and correlations. He looks at the arrogant and proud, the injustices in life, the chaos and confusion. Agur sees: disrespect for parents (vs. 11, 17); the self-righteous (vs. 12); the proud (vs. 13); injustice towards the poor (vs. 14); the greedy (vs. 15, 16); sexual immorality (vs. 20); disruption in the natural order of things (vs. 21-23);
I cannot help but think of the following passage:
You should also know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control; they will be cruel and have no interest in what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act as if they are religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. You must stay away from people like that. (2Tim 3:1-5 NLT)
The above describes a people, and/or world, where God is no longer being allowed to govern His human creation. If we keep our eyes on all the bad stuff that is going on in the world, we could get really discouraged. The message of Proverbs 30, and the wisdom we really need to glean in such an age as the one we live in is: Look to where God is still ruling. Find where God can be seen! So, Agur looks at nature, and sees God’s majesty and rule displayed. Agur’s words are, “too amazing for me” (30:18). He looks at the sky, the land, and the sea, and is awed by what he sees (vs. 19). The eagle is majestic, strong and graceful; the snake glides effortlessly over terrain, yet has no feet; the huge waves carry a small ship without smashing it to shreds. He is marveled by the courtship of a young man and woman falling in love, and amazed by human relationships in general. These four signs point to the wonderful created order of God’s creation – creation going about its designed purpose. On Friday we had a missionary couple stay with us who are getting married in 8 weeks, newly in love and excited about their new life together. This occurred on our wedding anniversary. Hearing their story of how they met, and how God brought two people together from two totally different worlds, and the plans they sense God has for them, was encouraging and hopeful, that God is still at work, in the midst of all the chaos.
Again, Agur focuses on creation and sees how God has made these little creatures “extremely wise”, since they are strong, resourceful, organized, industrious, and prosper (vs. 24-28). He also sees the courage and strength of the lion, the confidence of the rooster, the agility of the mountain goat, and the leadership of a King with his army (vs. 29-31). Life is not all doom and gloom. There are some things in life that just make you go, “wow” or “Yeah God”! It is easy to get wrapped up in the negative, and miss the positive that is going on in the world; even sadder to miss God at work right under our noses.
Almost every day, I go for a long walk, while listening to an exposition of a passage of scripture. Early in the morning, I am refreshed by the stillness of my surroundings, and in awe of the beauty of creation all around me. I have seen all kinds of animals, like squirrels, and foxes, and birds and deer, all going about their business with not much concern for how difficult life is. I have seen incredible sunrises, the morning mist coming off a river, trees and flowers, and other humans walking and enjoying the serenity of the moment as they contemplate whatever. We look at each other, smile, or say, “good morning”, and carry on. For me, those are my times to re-center, and reconnect with my Maker who is still ruling in reigning, in the midst of the chaos Man has brought upon himself as he chooses to live life without God. And, I often find myself suddenly praising God that He has chosen me to reveal Himself to. God is good!
Choose this week to “eliminate the negative, and accentuate the positive”; stop and smell the roses; think about “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things.” See how different your week is…at least start your day like that!
Here is a link to Wendy's encouraging blog reminding us that God is still God in the middle of the craziness. It's a great testimony of God's faithfulness: http://www.freedomhousechc.ca/blogs/ears-to-hear/great-is-your-faithfulness/
Have a great week!
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