March 2 ▪ Day 61

Scripture Readings

Proverbs 12:11
Hosea 5–6
I Corinthians 13–14
Psalms 61

Verse Focus (Proverbs 12:11)

Those who work their land will have abundant food,
     but those who chase fantasies have no sense.

Meditation

Today’s proverb stings a bit. Even though we no longer live in an agrarian society, we understand the difference between buckling down to work versus chasing a dream. I think this is particularly challenging for Americans, because we were brought up on the American dream. Land of opportunity: a chance to make a better life for you and your family. For so many of us, though, this means chasing a career in the spotlight. Those with a talent for performance, whether acting or singing or playing music — they long to be able to support themselves with that talent. And for too many, it is simply a fantasy.

That’s always the rub, isn’t it? Knowing when the dream you’re chasing is worth pursuing and when it is simply a fantasy. We have a lot of trouble telling the difference. Perhaps because we don’t really want to stop, even if it is in our best interests.

When I read this proverb, I start doubting myself. I wonder if I’m truly making good choices about time — am I investing my life in something that will support me, or am I chasing a fantasy? Of course that’s why we truly have to humble ourselves before God and seek His wisdom.

Today, I didn’t make particularly good choices. Even with the Scripture’s reminder that “those who till their land will have plenty of food,” I still went back to bed in the middle of the day. I wasn’t feeling well, and I wanted to get a bit more rest. I slept a little, dozed a bit more, but it was unsatisfying. Worse, by choosing that very unsatisfying nap, I didn’t get anything else done that I should have got done today. And now it’s quite late at night, and I’m just sitting down to write my meditation.

Father God, today was a small reminder of how lacking in sense we can be when we choose “worthless pursuits.” Please help us to have clear vision about the things we pursue — may we choose things that are truly wise. May we seek your righteousness. Lord, some of our dreams do come from you. And some of our dreams are folly. Help us to know the difference, and to always seek your glory through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Hosea chapter 5 continues the indictment against Israel. Verse 4 stood out to me: “Their deeds do not permit them to return to their God.” Worse than their deeds is the “spirit of prostitution” that is in their hearts. I am grieved, because I know this is our state apart from Christ Jesus. Thank heaven I am reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. But what about all those who do not know Jesus?

Ephraim’s plight is grim. God has “withdrawn,” because Israel sought “vanity.” Indeed, God has become repulsive to his people — like “maggots” and “rottenness” to Ephraim and Judah. It is an incurable wound until such a time as the people “acknowledge their guilt and seek my face (v. 15).”

In chapter 6, the prophet calls the people to repentance. “Come, let us return to the LORD,” says Hosea, “He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds.” I hear the echoes of Messianic prophecy in the next verse: “on the third day he will raise us up.” And the promise in verse 3 is highlighted from a previous reading of this chapter: the language still beautiful, still poignant. Verse 5 begs for me to meditate on it further: God says that He cuts people with His prophets; He kills by the words of His mouth; His judgments are like the sun.

Verse 6 is the verse Jesus often quoted: “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.”

But Israel rebels, breaks the covenant, commits violence, and turns aside. The country is “defiled.” Chillingly, the chapter ends by saying that there will also be a reckoning for Judah.

1 Corinthians 13 is one of the most beloved chapters in the Bible. Such a magnificent description of love, the “most excellent way.” I do love this chapter. 🙂

If you ever want to see just how much further you need to go in sanctification, try substituting your own name for every place it says “love” in verses 4 through 8. Kirsty is patient, Kirsty is kind. Already I can see I’m in trouble! But this is the ideal we strive for. Now try, “Jesus is patient, Jesus is kind…” Amen!

Paul continues his discussion of spiritual gifts in chapter 14. In fact, chapter 13 was also part of Paul’s discussion of spiritual gifts — do you think about love that way? Did you realize that love is also a spiritual gift? One that we can seek more of? One that we can be blessed with further?

As Paul says in verse 12, “since you are eager for spiritual gifts, strive to excel in them for building up the church.” This is the whole point of our spiritual gifts — to build up the church, to build up one another.

In chapter 14, Paul focuses on two particular spiritual gifts: tongues and prophecy, and he discusses their use in church worship. My background is not pentecostal — I’m quite the Presbyterian, with all of their associated strengths and weaknesses. Strong on doctrine, good with theology. Not so good with service, works, and charity. (There’s an English proverb that says, “As cold as Christian charity in a Presbyterian church.”) All of this is to say that Paul’s discussion of tongues and prophecy always seems a bit alien to me. I have attended charismatic churches before, and have been around these gifts — but neither of these are my own particular gifts.

I also have to say that I find Paul’s words in verses 22 through 24 very confusing. He says that tongues are not a sign believers, but for unbelievers, and I think I understand exactly what Paul means. But then Paul talks about the secrets of an unbeliever’s heart being laid bare through prophecy, and I get confused because it seems like he’s reversing what he just said a moment ago. I think I must not fully understand what Paul means by a “sign.”

One final comment on chapter 14. In verse 35, Paul says, “Women should remain silent in the churches.” Verse 35 even says that it is “disgraceful” for women to speak. I believe these verses have been frequently misunderstood and misapplied. It is used by some as justification that women should not hold positions of authority in the church, and is even interpreted by some to mean that women cannot be prophets (although a review of Scripture proves that to be quite untrue).

My understanding is that — for the first time — women were actually being allowed into the congregations. Previously, women were separated from the men. Now, both are together. Men learned in “silence.” The congregation was not meant to be the place to entertain questions. It was for learning — questions and discussions would come at another time and in another place. So, actually, Paul saying that the women should be silent is simply talking about what is expected of all the participants. As the newest members, the women were not well-versed in what was considered “orderly” worship. But Paul’s comments do reinforce the idea that women are allowed to participate and to be part of corporate worship.

Psalm 61 is another composition of David. We do not know the historical background of this psalm or even when it was written. It is odd that most of the verses are written in first person voice, but when David prays about the king he switches to third person voice. This suggests to me that David is praying for his successor, King Solomon.

Verse 2 particularly resonated with me today. “When my heart is faint” — then David pleads, “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” That is what I needed today. My heart was faint. I made some bad choices with my time. But when I am faint, when I need encouragement — that is when I most need to find God.

Father God, I thank you that you hear us when we call. May we dwell in your presence forever. Encourage us when faint, lead us always to a secure place. Strengthen us and work through us to accomplish your purposes. Help us to choose right paths. Most of all, give us love for you and for one another. We ask that you gift us with love, and with other spiritual gifts for building up your church. We ask in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.