REVELATIONS FROM PROVERBS I have just begun a study of Proverbs. The collection of writings is attributed to King Solomon, the son of David, once revered as the wisest man in the then known world. At the conclusion of the first three chapters, I came across a couple texts that drew my attention to the book of Revelation. Proverbs 3:18 speaks of the “tree of life.” The apostle John wrote: “And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” Rev. 22:1-3 Again, Proverbs 3:35 reads: “The wise shall inherit glory.” Daniel 12:1-3 reads: At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people… And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are WISE shall SHINE Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. The book of revelation speaks of that glory as being “robed” in Christ’s righteousness. (Rev. 6:11; 7:13-15). More important, perhaps, is the question: how do we gain access to the “tree of life” and “inherit glory”? The answer is found in the first few chapters leading up to these texts. Here’s a brief overview, but you must read it for yourself. --- WISDOM is the overarching topic at the beginning of Proverbs. Godly wisdom, not ours. That wisdom is found in an initial relationship with the Lord (1:7). But wisdom isn’t some mystical “download.” It’s built on “knowledge” and processed through “understanding.” Solomon speaks as though we are listening to an intensely concerned father (or teacher): “My son…”, he repeatedly states. You can feel the care in his words. In chapter one he begins by laying out the specific differences between the voice of heavenly “wisdom” (personified as a woman) and the voices of earthen sinners. Above the sinful activities on earth you can hear her crying out to us! (1:20) Those who do not reject her, and avoid following “their own way,” will find safety and peace (1:33). In chapter two, he continues, pointing out that we must cry out after heavenly wisdom, as much as she sought us (2:3-4)! If we do, we shall receive God’s gift of wisdom (2:6), and be converted (2:10). Those who receive God’s wisdom, and reject the voices of the idols in this world, shall be found complete in the Lord at the end, standing “upright” (lit., straight). This answers the question in Revelation 6, “Who shall be standing in the end”? The key is BOTH not forgetting and keeping God’s torah-law and His mitvah-commandments (3:1). But like the need to search after Lady Wisdom, we are asked to do three things, in order that the Lord can “direct thy paths” (3:6): “trust in Him,” “lean not on they own understanding,” and “In all they ways acknowledge Him” (3:5, 6). He cannot “direct” (lit., straight) you entirely if you are not entirely directable. In the end, “[truly] happy is the man that findeth wisdom” (3:13). Interestingly, just before Solomon concludes with his statement about the inheritance of glory, he lists five things that God’s wise “son” must not do, and none of them have anything to do directly with God—rather, they all concern how we treat (or don’t!) our neighbor (3:27-31). In so doing, we’re reminded of the prophet Micah’s words: “What does the Lord require of thee? Do justly. Love mercy. Walk humbly with your God.”
Posted on: Sat, 03 Jan 2015 13:48:05 +0000
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