In Proverbs 27:23-28:6, we read several truths that are verifiable by our observations of reality and from history. The writer begins with “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, and give careful attention to your herds” (verse 23). This advice not only applies to a rustic, agricultural economy, but also it has wide application to our own modern culture today. Although we may live in a more, high-tech and advanced society, nevertheless we cannot afford to miss what the writer is saying here. Historically, shepherds assumed great responsibility over their “flocks and herds” (verse 23), which represented their livelihood. But God has ordained that all of us are shepherds with responsibility over something – over “flocks and herds” – of some particular order. Responsibility requires careful attention and constant awareness over our charges, whatever they may be, and attention and awareness contribute to wisdom. The writer also states that, “Riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations” (verse 24). Few wealthy people ever experience the “easy come,” part of the cliché, but everyone knows by experience the “easy go” part. An entire fortune can be lost in a moment overnight, and the crown represents no tangible security for anyone. Leaders who ignore or take for granted “the condition of their flocks” (verse 23), are likely to lose their “crown.” Countless historical examples support the veracity of these Proverbs which are further expanded, clarified, and summarized in one verse – “Better a poor man whose walk is blameless, than a rich man whose ways are perverse” (cf., 28:6).
Yesterday, we pointed out Ezekiel’s proclamation of judgment on Egypt, and said judgment continues in Ezekiel 30-31. Here, we see the extension of God’s further judgment on “Egypt, Cush, Put, Lydia, Arabia, Libya, and all the people of the covenant land and her allies” (verse 4). As we have seen, God says that His instrument of judgment on these lands and peoples will come by “the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, and … they will all be laid waste” (verse 12). Again, we see the same sin in Egypt – pride – “her proud strength will come to an end” (verse 18; cf., Ezekiel 31:10). We need to know that God hates pride. In the same way that God “broke the arms of Pharaoh” (repeated three times in verses 21, 22, and 24), His destruction of Egypt prefigures the future, coming day of the LORD when the destruction of sin and evil will be complete (cf., Isaiah 2:12; Jeremiah 30:7). In chapter 31, Ezekiel prophesies that Pharaoh will be cut down like a cedar tree. These are classic examples and illustrations of the very truths we saw earlier today in Proverbs 27:23-28:6. In God’s universe, security is found only in God Himself.
Today in Hebrews 13, we come to the end of this wonderful book. In this final chapter, we see the thirteenth and fourteenth “Let us” statements of Hebrews. [13] “Let us go to Him [our high priest] outside the camp” (verse 13). Jesus suffered “outside the city gate to make the people holy through His own blood” (verse 12). And then, [14] “Let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise” (verse 15). Together with these “Let us” statements, the writer exhorts us to practice at least ten other Christian graces – to love one another, to show hospitality, to remember those in prison and those who are mistreated, to honor the institution of marriage, to avoid the love of money and to be content, to remember our leaders, to reject strange (i.e., unbiblical) teachings, to bear the disgrace that Jesus bore, to offer sacrifices of praise to God, and to pray for each other (verses 1-18). Like the Ten Commandments in the Old Testament, these graces can be summed up in Christ’s commands for us “to love God with all our hearts and to love our neighbor as ourselves” (cf., Matthew 22:36-40; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 10:27). Thank God for this wonderful book of Hebrews!
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