In 2 Chronicles 5:2, we observe that “Solomon summoned all the elders, heads of tribes, and chiefs of the families of Israel to come to Jerusalem and bring up the ark of the LORD’s covenant” (verse 2). The people now “sacrificed so many sheep and cattle that they could not be recorded or counted” (verse 6). They “placed the ark in the Most Holy Place in the temple, and then they withdrew” (verses 7-11); all this was “accompanied by the music of cymbals, harps, lyres, trumpets, and with singing - ‘He is good; His love endures forever;’ then the temple of the LORD was “filled with a cloud – the glory of the LORD” (verse 13). Chapter 6 gives us Solomon’s dedicatory address before the people and his blessing on them. Then Solomon prays one of the great prayers of Scripture. Consider some of the content of his prayer … “O LORD God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven or earth … but will God really dwell on earth with men? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you … O LORD God, hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying … when you hear, forgive … and uphold their cause … O LORD God, clothed with salvation, may your saints rejoice in your goodness” (verses 14-41). This is an amazing prayer, the elements of which we also should pray in our prayers. The prayer fully exalts and praises God. Truly, it proclaims that “God is good, and His love endures forever” (cf.., 2 Chronicles 5:13 and 7:3). In chapter 7, we see God’s response of acceptance and approval – fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple” (verse 1). The people went home joyfully and glad in heart for the good things the LORD had done” (verse 10). When we honor the Lord like this, He makes our hearts glad.
The principles of Proverbs 20:5-14 are personally applicable to us, and we should consider adapting them into our daily practices. For example, “wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise” (verse 1). This is not a commandment against drinking alcohol. However, through this author, this principle establishes God’s thoughts about wine and beer. God is simply saying that wine is a mocker and beer is a brawler. People who freely imbibe must also recognize that they submit and subject themselves willingly to the effects of mocking and brawling – two behaviors that God directly opposes (cf., Proverbs 15:12; 19:29; 21:9; 22:10; 29:8; Ephesians 4:31-32; 1 Timothy 6:4; and James 4:1-3). Moreover, these effects also possess the additional capacity to influence people “astray” (verse 1). Those who allow themselves to be so influenced “are not wise” (verse 1). Put another way, they are foolish. How much does Proverbs have to say about fools and foolishness? God leaves the decision about all these principles up to us, but He warns us to make wise choices. Few people are adequately equipped to handle either a mocker or a brawler.
In 1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1, Paul concludes his treatise on offensive behavior. In this section, he emphasizes that idolatry has no place in the Christian life, and those who partake of the Lord’s supper must exercise a sanctified life style – separated and removed from the Corinthian norm – idol worship. Later (cf., 1 Corinthians 11:20-21), Paul will further address their divisiveness and disunity, as revealed by their approach to the Lord’s Supper. He asserts that, if “we all share the one loaf” (verse 17), and because that “loaf” is Christ, then we cannot properly support or participate both in worldly practices and in those of our Lord without compromise or hypocrisy. We are called to a life of holiness and faithfulness to Christ, and we are expected to exemplify Him in our daily lives. In Christ, we have freedom, but the highest exercise of our freedom is the restraint of our rights for the “constructive benefit and the good of others” (verses 23-24). It’s not always easy to do this, and in this sinful world, inevitably we will experience push-back - even from other Christians. Nevertheless, our ultimate purpose should be to “do all for the glory of God” (verse 31). If that is our underlying motive, God will ensure the outcome.
Comments