Some Commands of God

by Liz Clark

 
"My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity." (Proverbs 3:1-2 NIV)

The New King James Version  the word "law" is used. The Law (Torah), the Jewish name for Pentateuch which basically means "teaching," and is the foundation of righteousness.

We are assuming in verses 1 and 2 the parent is still speaking, and it implies the more personal principles of the household – close to those of God, but with a more defined, detailed application. Shouldn't a godly parent's instruction (laws) be a close reflection to those of God?

God commands  parents to give wise and sound instruction to our children.  Now this surely applies to a person who doesn't have children of his/her own. As we mature as adults, there are ALWAYS going to be younger people around us upon whom we have influence.
If you are single or married without children, then you could be an older sibling, an aunt or uncle, a neighbor, a friend, or possibly a teacher, whereby you have a much broader influence over a number of children.

No matter, we are all called to gain wisdom and knowledge. Hummm? Wonder why that is? Is it in order that we alone can discern right from wrong? Is it so we can make wise choices when tough decisions must be made? Is it to guide us for daily living? I think it is "yes" to all of these questions? But what else can gaining divine wisdom possibly do?

Well, I believe, attaining wisdom isn't meant to be kept to one's self. Rather, to be shared with those who are younger, less wise, or perhaps to offer to a friend in his/her time of distress, when their own wisdom seems blocked and unclear.

I also love what verse 2 promises to us who seek after wise instruction. God promises that wisdom and remembering His commands (locking them tightly into our hearts) will prolong our lives and bring to us prosperity! Have you ever really thought about this?

In other words: Obey God and leave to Him the consequences of your obedience! What wonderful consequences to have, huh! :-)
"Let love [mercy] and faithfulness [truth] never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.  Then you will win favor and a good name [high esteem] in the sight of God and man." 

Oh just let this next portion of Scripture sink down into your spirit! We are informed here in verse 3 to NEVER allow love and faithfulness to leave us. We are to "bind" them around our necks.

The dictionary gives several definitions of the word bind. It means: to tie together; hold together; fasten. But, the one I especially like is: to fasten (sheets of paper) into a cover; to put a cover on.

Isn't that a beautiful word picture of how we are to wear love/mercy and faithfulness/truth as a cover? We should be clothed, so to speak, with love and faithfulness! (As I study Scripture, I love keeping a dictionary nearby. I get added revelations and insights when I dig a little, forcing me to look at words in a different manner. It's also a good idea to grab another version of the Bible, too. Reading a variation of word usage can be extremely beneficial when studying God's Word.)

So verse 4 promises that if we are loving and faithful, if we show mercy and exhibit trust, we shall find favor and provision. What peace and joy it is to have a "good name," and find favor with God.   "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear [honor] the LORD and shun [turn away from] evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones." 

Oh now this section is reeeeeally challenging, isn't it. We are to completely trust in our LORD with ALL of our heart. We must never depend upon our human understanding. How simple our lives would be if we truly applied this exhortation to our daily walk!

Have you discovered how very difficult it is for you to entrust all your cares and concerns to God? I think we struggle with this way more than God would wish to have us struggle. Notice that we are NOT TO BE WISE in our own eyes? So I gather from this, that we are not capable to rightly handle things when we lean solely upon our own abilities.

We CANNOT live a Christian life! No way! We are too weak; too sinful by nature; too fragile. We are to have Christ live through us. Most often I'm a Roman 7 Christian. The very things I know to do, I do not. The things I am not supposed to do, I do! It's a constant battle, as Paul says.

John 15:4 says we are to "abide in Christ," and that simply means we are to rely, trust and obey God and His Word. We are to acknowledge Him in ALL of our ways, suggesting being fully aware of and in fellowship with Him. How comforting when we completely surrender our lives!

The Hebrew word for ways  is derek which means "a road, a course, or a mode of action." It is suggesting a person may encounter on a regular or recurring basis specific opportunities. We know that we regularly have each new day. So in every day we should acknowledge God and in so doing He will direct our paths.

Here, the Hebrew word for acknowledge is yada. In other places in Scripture yada means to "know" by observation, investigation, reflection, or firsthand experience. But the highest level of yada is in "direct, intimate contact." It refers to life-giving intimacy, as in marriage. God is suggesting here that in all of our days we are to maintain yada.

We are promised that if we do these things, God blesses us with good health and strength to our bodies. Gosh, each word here could preach for hours.

"Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine."

Do you notice in verses 9 and 10 that God truly desires for us to have wealth instead of poverty? to have MORE THAN ENOUGH? to be filled to the brim and overflowing with provision? If we exam our circumstances, finding them to be wanting and needy, perhaps we are lacking in the area of sowing and reaping. We must be wise stewards of our finances, of our gifts and talents, our praying and Bible study, and also in our giving.

The principle of sowing and reaping has been woven into the nature God's world. We cannot refuse to recognize that this applies to all facets of living, be it spiritual or otherwise.

"My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."

From reading verses 11 and 12, a wise person begins to realize that often times the discipline of God is to help one deal with one's own flaws, sins, and shortcomings. I have now come to embrace adversity as a dear friend. I'm certainly not in the habit of looking with anticipation to adversity, but I now recognize that whenever it occurs, I learn great lessons about myself and about God. I experience significant growth when I have walked through advertises.

As parents we must correct and discipline our children in order for them to mature into healthy, caring, and productive adults. Often times the discipline meted out to our children seems harsh and painful to them. Yet, isn't that exactly how God should deal with us? We are so sinful by nature, that often times only with painful disciplining do we make changes. Correction, as hard as it is, proves God's love and concern. We are to be continually transformed into Christlike children.

Yet, we understand in verses 11 and 12 that God's love corrects and is unconditional! We are helpless and hopeless without the control of God. Isn't it a great feeling to know that God is in charge of the universe, and thankfully we are not? :-) *hee-hee*

So to summarize this portion of Scripture we:

• Must remember God's teachings in Scripture.
• Are to meditate daily upon His Word, pray and make it a priority.
• Are to cover our hearts and minds with love and faithfulness. 
• Should not depend upon our own feelings or thinking. 
• Must seek intimacy and a personal relationship with God.
• Should be gracious and lavish givers.
•  Welcome and embrace God's correction.

Then as we practice these things, God delights [to have great pleasure] in us. Isn't that a most lofty desire to have? I surely want God to delight, to have great pleasure in me when He looks upon me each day.

Father, give us a burning desire to put away self and allow Christ to live though us. Help us to apply these truths of Your Word to our daily living. We so want to be in Your perfect will. Convict us in the areas where we fail You.

Holy Spirit become our intimate Counselor and Guide. Give us the ability to fall in love with Scripture. Open our minds as we read and meditate upon the Word.

Jesus we want You to work through us. Help us to crucify ourselves daily, and become clothed and covered in Your righteousness. I ask these things in HaShem Y'shua HaMashiach -- in the name of Jesus the Messiah. Amen.

Liz Clark and her husband, Bob, live in the beautiful mountainous area of Northern Georgia. 
EMAIL LIZ