Reading: Proverbs 27-31
He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy (Prov. 29:1).
Then shall He say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels (Matt. 25:41). For those who refuse to accept correction from God, there is only one possible end. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it (Jer. 17:9)? We are born into this world innocent of sin but in full possession of a sinful nature. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned (Rom. 5:12). Left to our own devices we will follow our nature; it is not possible for us to do otherwise.
God offers guidance, correction, and support to every soul He creates. He has given His Word to make His will known and reveals Himself in multiple ways daily. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse (Rom. 1:20). Through the person of His Son, Jesus Christ, God has offered us the opportunity to transcend our nature and open our hearts to His love, mercy, and grace. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
The key word here is “offer.” We can submit to being molded by God’s guidance and corrections, or we can cling to our sinful nature, rigid and unyielding. The first choice will lead us to repentance and salvation; the second will lead us to destruction and damnation. God wants us to make the first choice, and He ensures that we have ample opportunities to do so. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (II Pet. 3:9). But if we continually rebuff His advances and harden our hearts to his corrections, believing ourselves to be innocent victims rather than desperate sinners, then we will reach the point of no return where we will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is He whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord (Heb. 12:6-14).
Thought For TodayFree will is often lauded as the ability to make our own choices and determine our own destiny. However, our God-given free will boils down to one simple choice. Will we follow Him or not?
Christ Revealed: As the One who descended from and ascended to heaven (Prov. 30:4). Jesus came down from heaven, even the Son of Man which is (now) in heaven (John 3:13).
Word Studies:27:16 Whosoever hideth her hideth the wind = Restraining a contentious woman is like attempting to hold the wind; 28:11 searcheth him out = sees through him; 28:14 that feareth alway = who is always reverent; 28:17 stay = help; 29:10 seek his soul = has concern for his well-being; 30:23 odious = hateful.
Pray For Staff:Jennifer Palafox • Government Officials: Rep. Glenn Thompson, Jr. (PA) • Country: Turkmenistan (5,171,943) Central Asia • Major Languages: Turkmen, Russian • Restricted Religious Freedom • 89% Muslim; 9% Eastern Orthodox; 2% Unknown/Other (Catholic, Protestant, Baha'i, Jehovah's Witness, Hare Krishna) • Prayer Suggestion: Revere and worship the Lord with godly fear and you will have no want (Ps. 34:9).
Optional Reading: Hebrews 4