Today´s reading:
OT: Exodus 35:10-35, Exodus 36
NT: Matthew 27:32-66
Ps: Psalm 34:1-10
Pr: Proverbs 9:7-8
Today´s notable verses:
All who are skilled among you are to come and make everything the LORD has commanded…
Exodus 35:10 (NIV)
Two things come to mind in this verse, two points of view on the same idea, really: first, that when God commands for us to do something, He gives us the ability to accomplish that which He commands of us. He doesn’t leave us to our own means, but provides everything we need. Second, that when God gives us skill, ability, resources, opportunities, etc., we have an obligation to demonstrate good stewardship of that with which He has entrusted us. God does not provide to us merely for our own edification or enjoyment (though He does wish both of those for every one of us!), but so that He may use us as willing participants in carrying out His will.
4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.Psalm 10:4-5 (NIV)
For some reason, the idea of seeking the Lord, and Him answering, really sticks out to me. Jesus reiterates this principle for us in the New Testament (Matthew 7:7-8). The second verse reminds me of our OYB reading yesterday, of Moses’ radiance after spending time in the Presence of God.
Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you;
rebuke a wise man and he will love you.Proverbs 9:8 (NIV)
I think the primary difference between the wise man and the mocker is pride versus arrogance. A wise man accepts rebuke in humility, recognizing his own imperfection, and desiring every opportunity to conform more fully to pefection. The mocker despises rebuke, because in his pride he does not want his imperfection to be exposed, lest others think less highly of him.
The One Year Bible Blog notes:
Comments from you & Question of the Day – Based on this Proverb above, do you ever rebuke anyone? …When do you feel it is appropriate to rebuke someone? Is it based on a relationship? Is it based on if they ask your opinion on a matter? Will you ever rebuke someone even if not asked an opinion on the matter? Are you careful to not rebuke mockers or the wicked, but only to rebuke the wise? How do you discern who is wise and able to receive a rebuke? Conversely, have you ever been rebuked by someone else? Have you ultimately loved that person for the rebuke? Even if the rebuke stung at the time, were you ultimately appreciative of receiving the rebuke?
The answer, really, is, “it depends.” If I am given a role of spiritual authority in someone’s life, part of that role is to give rebuke when it is needed. Parents are responsible for rebuking their children, for example; or, if I am serving another as a mentor, I have a similar responsibility. In such situations, offering rebuke is an act of love, and must be handled accordingly. Such a rebuke is an expression of the desire to help someone conform more and more to the standard to which God has called us.
In these examples, I am referring to a rebuke of a person. Another form of rebuke applies to ideas. I think we are much less restricted in rebuking an idea espoused by someone than we are to rebuke that person’s character. For example, I have never had a problem debating a doctrinal matter with a teacher or other superior/elder if I believe that person to be teaching incorrect doctrine; however, I would likely never dream of rebuking that same person for some perceived character issue or sin. In such a situation, Jesus’ teaching on caring for the plank in my own eye, before helping another with the speck in his eye, applies.
I think I am good at receiving rebuke; at least, I try to be. Generally, discerning between rebuke given in love, and rebuke given otherwise is pretty easy. I am thankful that a brother or sister would love me enough to rebuke me lovingly that, even if I don’t agree with the rebuke, will make every effort to receive it graciously, and keep the disagreement to myself – taking it instead later to the Lord in prayer.