February 12, 2007
Last of the 2006 Reflections
Finally, we’ve reached the end of my personal 2006 Bible study journal. Next week I’ll catch you up on what’s been happening these last few weeks while I’ve been look in the rear-view mirror.
Proverbs 27:11 – “My son, be wise, and make my heart glad.” Solomon was probably the best dad ever in regards to wisely teaching his son everything he needed to know. But apparently, that wasn’t enough. His life and actions spoke louder than his words and his son ended up following hi example rather than his teaching. His son looked to his peers for wisdom and rejected the wisdom of his elders. Where was the breakdown between the wise and concerned father who taught and the holy and engaged father who walked beside in upright relationship? This is a sobering reminder that teaching is not enough.
1 Kings 12:8 – “But he (Rehoboam) rejected the advice which the elders had given him, and consulted the young men who had grown up with him, who stood before him.” What a great verse for anyone, but especially young people. This verse will preach! By Rehoboam listening to his friends, rather than respecting and receiving the wisdom of his elders, he lost the whole kingdom. Tragic, irrevocable mistake.
John 16:7-8 – “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” John 14:26 – “ But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all tings that I said to you.” I must step out of Tucker’s life as the main voice in his ear. I must remember that it is to his advantage that I do this. I must trust that when I walk away, and die to this place of priority in his life, the Holy Spirit is willing and able to step in to convict, teach, and lead him. If I remain the dominant voice in his life he will never learn to listen for the still, small voice of the Spirit.
Psalm 15:7- 8– I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; my heart (literally kidneys) also instructs me in the night seasons. I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” This verse tells me that God will instruct us in, at least, two distinct ways. He, by His Holy Spirit will give us counsel and directions. But He also tell sus to go with our gut instinct when we are in the dark about what to do. I believe the second verse explains when and why this is a safe thing to do.
Psalm 33:13-15 – The Lord looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. From the place of His dwelling He looks on all the inhabitants of the earth. He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works.” When my mom and I were driving through Vermont we were, once again, struck with the unfathomable awesomeness and bigness of God. Just to think that inside each house we passed there were people and families with dreams and challenges. Multiply this across the globe and it is mind-boggling. Later that night I read this Scripture which brought the fear of the Lord. He sees all the sons of men individually and considers them!
Ephesians 3:16-21 – “That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height – to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; the you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.” THIS is my hope for 2008. My desire to know God’s love that passes knowledge is intrinsically intertwined with my desire to share the power of that love encounter with others. I don’t think they can be separated.
Posted by weblion at 04:11 PM
