Reading
SAA Notes
There are many thought-provoking proverbs in today’s reading: eg 21:17, 22:2,6,15. 21:14 is a piece of wisdom for those living under totalitarian or arbitrary rule of corrupt officials, kings and dictators. The Scriptures explicitly say: Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous. Exodus 23:8
SJA Notes
“No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the LORD.”
Most folk around us who live in spiritual darkness think nothing of building arguments to make the idea of God, and God’s people, seem foolish.
We can get upset at not being a good apologist for our Lord. People will scoff and laugh, in their wilful ignorance – Whether dressed up in intelligent speech or not.
But our foundation is not in our own ability to present arguments. Our identity and worth is not found in how well we put to shame the arguments of the world.
In Isaiah chapter 44 God gives an incredibly clarifying word, one for us today,
“I am the LORD, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself, who frustrates the signs of liars and makes fools of diviners, who turns wise men back and makes their knowledge foolish,”
God is not lessened by whatever strong-sounding arguments people might put together.
It is God who will frustrate the wicked, and turn back the worldly wise men.
We can only present God’s word, point people to Jesus – Even if in the scope of the Almighty God we are breath and frailty and our means are limited and broken.
Because God is not! He is the God who _alone_ spread out the earth.
And wonderfully God chooses to work through us.
* Almighty God,
There is none like You! You are the one who by Yourself spread out the earth, stretched out the heavens.
Thank You Lord for Your word – Please remind us that You are our fortress and deliver, our rock and our defence.
Your word is the only weapon we have, please help us to use it wisely, with humility and a holy fear of You.
Thank You Lord for today.
Amen.