Proverbs 27

Read Proverbs 27

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” God has called us to a life of humble and thankful enjoyment of Him and of the good gifts that He grants to us. The restless hearts of natural men are not satisfied with these blessings for very long. We want something more.

We look for praise from someone we can see. We cannot see God.

Yet the Lord speaks. We can receive a message about His greatness by considering the universe that He created. We also have the record of His written Word given to us in the Scriptures.

In our search for honor and bounty from some other source than God we can quickly fall into trouble. We have a Friend in Jesus Christ who comes to us with earnest counsel. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” He leads us away from idolatry, pride, and rebellion and guides us home. It is a privilege to approach the Almighty through the help of Jesus.

The unseen God works through ambassadors who can be seen. When they speak according to His Word, the voice of the Lord comes to the assembly of His children. Together we draw near to heaven and the King of that realm meets us and leads us in paths of humble obedience.

We need to abide in Jesus who has become our spiritual dwelling place. “Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who strays from home.” Though we face many deceptions and dangers in this world under the wrath and curse of God, we can ask for no better Guide to a new world of life than the One who came here to rescue us from sin and death. He frees us from bondage to evil and calls us to worship Him.

Long ago Jesus told His disciples to continue to gather for communion with these words: “Do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:19) Around the Lord's table we catch a glimpse of a new life, a new family, and a new home. Our Father in heaven calls us to the stability of holy living. “Be wise my son, and make my heart glad.”

Is this life of following God's Word without difficulty? The Lord has assured us that we will face tests and troubles under the sun, where “riches do not last forever” and a “crown” does not “endure to all generations.” Death and the grave never seem to be satisfied in this dying world, they just keep on coming. Yet Christ has conquered both for us. He not only takes us to heaven, He also shows us how to live a godly life on earth. He is well aware that in this world we will face tribulation, but we can enjoy Him and the good gifts that He gives us even now as we wait for the fulfillment of the kingdom of heaven to come upon the earth.

Prayer from A Book of Prayers

Lord God, You know the beginning from the end. We trust You. We marvel at the perfect wisdom of Your Son. Every impulse and detail of His heart and life was perfect. He related perfectly in all family relationships. He discerned every right opportunity for friendship and service. The heart of our Savior was perfect, just as the Man Himself was perfect. His glory will last forever. His righteousness is eternal. In Him we have a secure hope and a future of grace and truth. Grant to us the mind of Christ even now, so that we might serve You rightly.