Proverbs and the Problem of Counsel
Jan 31
"Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counselors." Psalm 119:24 There are times when counsel is needed. Who gives us counsel is of utmost importance, including our need to discern the source of that counsel. How counsel is given is another critical aspect.
The proof of obedience…
Jan 22
"And hereby do we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments." (1 John 2:3) Jesus once said: "why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46). Poignant question. A familiar complaint of those who despise Christian teaching is that "Christians" don't act like Christians! It is a sad commentary on the condition of the Lord's family when the ungodly are more aware of the expected behavior of God's people than the Christians are. Of course, the issue is not unique to the New Testament times. Israel's historical saga is replete with seasons of rebellion and repentance--so much so that the Psalmist prayed: That the generation to come. . . .might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: and might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellions generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God. (Psalm 78:6-8)
The two host of Heaven…
Jan 15
"Therefore hear the word of the LORD; I saw the LORD sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left." (2 Chronicles 18:18) This remarkable vision was granted to the prophet Micaiah, the only true prophet at the court of the evil King Ahab of Israel. Other Scriptures confirm that there really is a great host of angels at God's throne in heaven (Job 1:6; Daniel 7:10; Revelation 5:11; etc.). These are mighty angels, and they go forth at God's command (Psalm 103:20, 21), especially in connection with their primary function as "ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation" (Hebrews 1:14). In addition to the angels, there is another "host of heaven"--the stars, which "cannot be numbered" (Jeremiah 33:22). Like the stars, the angels also are said to be "innumerable" (Hebrews 12:22). Both "hosts" are mentioned in Nehemiah 9:6.
English