Exodus 31, John 10, Proverbs 7, and Galatians 6
The Experience:
I’m sad to be finishing Galatians today but am excited to see what the Lord has for me today.
The Word:
I continually note the active role of God in the construction of the tabernacle. In the opening of chapter 31 we see that Bezalel is given the Spirit of God , ability, intelligence, knowledge, and all craftsmanship for the purpose of building that which is required for the tabernacle. Later we read more gifting for the remainder of the required parts. The Sabbath is discussed in verses 12-18 and “the people of Israel” are commanded to keep the Sabbath (16).
Recently at my church (www.eastshorebaptist) a missionary came and was discussing a time he observed sheep while his wife was witnessing. He talked about their being rather dumb, unclean, and without much redeeming quality. He alluded to a passage in John 10. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (John 10:11)”. Why do this? Why would Jesus, the 2nd member of the God head die for us his sheep, in light of the qualities and character of God we aren’t that attractive, smart or deserving of redemption. It’s only by the grace of God that Jesus died for us. Also, it’s of note that Jesus says “I know my own” (John 10:14) knowing that Jesus died for us while we were still sinners we can rest knowing that our salvation bought for us because of grace not because of our own merit. We see demonstrated that Jesus claimed us as his before we ever recognized our own need for him, as such we rest in his salvation and grace.
As I continue through Proverbs and realize they are coherent works. I’m taken with the repetition of the theme in writing of the commandments on the tablet of the heart. Here in Proverbs 7 a demonstration of a common problem among men; seduction into sin. We’re reminded to resist the sin that our heart so naturally desires. As such, with the lengthy discussion of this problem we should be aware of our ability to fall into sin and resist and flee from it.
On the heels of Proverbs 7’s discussion of transgression I appreciate the balance that Galatians 6 brings. Were to seek restoration of one caught in transgression. Were again reminded to “keep watch on yourself, lets you too be tempted” in light of Proverbs 6’s note that God despises a haughty eyes. The scary continual reminder is for us to beware of our nature and fight against it avoiding sin.
