The righteous will never be shaken, but the wicked will not live in the land.
Message: Never uprooted
Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.
What the Lord is Saying: 'Shaken' or other translations say 'uprooted,' 'disturbed,' 'removed,' or 'will stand firm.' The word 'never' is a powerful word as well. It is permanent. Our eternity is permanent. It doesn't change. The righteous are on firm footing or a firm foundation. The righteous are not going anywhere. But the wicked will not dwell in this land. They will not inhabit the earth. They are the opposite. One is firmly in place, the other is not even present.
I like that word uprooted. The roots of the righteous are secure. They will not be removed. When I think of our position or my position in Christ, it is one where ultimately we are secure with him. And yet, I still recognize that though our permanent home is in place these temporary times often don’t look or appear to be any different from anyone else. I have trials and missteps. I have challenges. I have hardships. I experience aches and pains. There is loss at times in business. There are failed relationships.
But ultimately, forever, I am secure in Christ. As a note though, I’m not saying that the Christian life is only focused on the future because there’s definitely peace in the present as well. The Spirit is present in my life today.
I listen to a sermon this week about not getting drunk with wine, but being filled with the spirit from Ephesians 5:18. Paul, comparing spirit filled to being filled with a strong drink and becoming drunk. And so the spirit should be filled up and working through our lives in such a way the people don’t recognize us, and instead recognize God working in us. So the Christian life is much more than just a future state. It’s a present change.
And so the wicked are uprooted. The wicked will be shaken. The wicked will be moved. The wicked have no hope in the near future. The wicked have no ultimate security. They only have the day to day. Sometimes I wonder if our lives look like that wicked-life-reality too much. Myself, I’m headed to the gym to take care of my body, to be healthy, but probably ultimately with the idea that it will help me live a more full life and possibly a longer life.
We share constant prayer request for healing, for decreased suffering. I just wonder why we are so focused on this life and making sure is not disturbed. Are we really eternally focused? Do we just have this mindset one day of week? Am I sandwiched in the best of both worlds?
Prayer: I don't know God. I am very thankful that you have saved me and declare me as righteous. I am blessed to be able to say that my future is settled. I only wonder if my life is too much like everyone's life and yet I am called to be different. I know I do different things but day in and day out, I wonder if I desire and want what other's want.
Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.
No comments:
Post a Comment