HEARKEN TO THE VOICE OF WISDOM.
MEMORISE:
But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. Proverbs 1:33
READ: Proverbs 1:20-29.
20 Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:
21 She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,
22 How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.
24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:
26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;
27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
MESSAGE:
The true and original Wisdom is a personality; hence He speaks, calls, warns and counsels. Jesus Christ is that original Wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24). He is the One speaking in our Bible reading for today. He is the One calling us personally in Matthew 11:28-30. Only those who are wise would answer the call and thus, have their houses built on the rock (Luke 6:47-48).
In today’s Bible reading, the original Wisdom of God is pleading with His audience- you and me, to listen to His words of reason. He asks why anyone would choose foolishness over wisdom. He wonders why men hate knowledge, the correct application of which brings wisdom that saves from both temporal and eternal damnation. Jesus Christ, the wisdom of God assures us in today’s memory verse that whoever pays close attention to Him in order to do His bidding shall live in safety and the fellow shall be free from all evils. Proverbs 2:6-7 says:
“For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.”
Have you responded in the affirmative to the Lord’s call in Matthew 11:28-30? Answering positively that call is the best decision you can make in life. In this one call is salvation, prosperity, rest of mind and total freedom from evil. Jesus is calling on you today if you are yet to be born again or have backslidden.
The burden of sin is unbearable for mankind. This is why it is only reasonable to respond to the call of Someone who is ready to take away the burden from us. Answering the call of Jesus unto salvation is the beginning of wisdom and failure to do so is the foundation of all forms of calamity. Little wonder God says in today’s Scripture reading that, for those who refuse to listen to him, He would laugh them to scorn in the time of their calamity. May this not be your portion, in the mighty name of Jesus. the ‘Amen’ to that prayer is in your obedience to hearken to the voice of Wisdom.
Prayer Point:
Oh Lord, please give me listening ears to hear Your counsel and a willing heart to obey You always, in the mighty name of Jesus.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: EZEKIEL 31-36.
HYMN 28: WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS.
1. What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
2. Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
3. Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
4. Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.
