"Study the text not only as a good scholar but also as an honest struggler. First, ask what questions God has bothered to answer in the Word. Only He is wise enough to know which questions need answering. Then, study His answers for the rest of your life." True Spiritual Community, Larry Crabb
Christ's first questions after the Resurrection that come to my mind:
"Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" John 20:15
"What is this conversation that you are holding as you walk together." Luke 24:17
"Children, do you have any fish?" John 21:5
"Simon, do you love Me more than these?" John 21:15
"Peter, if it is my will that he remains, what is that to you?" John 21:22
"By what power or by what name did you do this?" Acts 4:7
And that last question brings us to this passage. The disciples were strictly charged not to teach in This Name yet they filled Jerusalem with His teachings. Acts 5:29 ~ "We must obey God rather than men." The Saducees decided to let them go, only after a fierce beating. What would we say to that kind of punitive treatment? Would we describe in detail the injustice, the horror, the pain? The response of the disciples is staggering: "They rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for The Name" - Acts 5:41. The officials could not stop the disciples from preaching and lifting up The Name.
You are studying the answers God has given through men who once knew the depths of despair. Rejoice when you are counted worthy to suffer dishonor for The Name. By the power of the man from Nazareth!
Whether it is Peter betraying his LORD or Bathsheba breaking her marriage vows, we are studying answers given to broken people from a Sovereign God. Strong's Concordance says that Lemuel is the name for Solomon. Solomon's mother was Bathsheba whom God chose to bring forth the lineage of Jesus Christ. The once-unfaithful Bathsheba is the contributor to Proverbs 31.
Joseph was from the lineage of Solomon; Mary was a descendant of Nathan---David & Bathsheba's other son. God made no mistake when He chose Bathsheba to be the foremother of Joseph and Mary. And He makes no mistakes in choosing you, either. Proverbs 31:25 You are full of Strength and Dignity if you walk with Him. He sees your frame, your ways. He knows. And His Magnanimous Mercy prevails. Study His Answers for as long as God gives you breath.
No matter what happens to me, what is done to me, what I go through, I am clothes with strength and dignity, (Prov. 31:25). He is my shield. (Prov. 30:5).
ReplyDeleteAmen Bev! Your words are so encouraging to me today.
Gamaliel's words ring true today as in the days of the Acts of the Apostles. "if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them." no reason why this new wave of Christianity should have survived but God's Handprint is on it. And to this very day, and forevermore, no man can thwart God's magnificent plan. No mistakes, no accidents, no stopping Him. No kidding.
ReplyDeleteHow I love proverbs 31:25-26.
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