Tiny Devotional for Saturday, 08-05-2023

A great good morning to all my friends and neighbors in Internet Land! And to family members who have dropped by, either frijoles or sausage sandwiches for breakfast.

Should your springs be dispersed abroad,
Streams of water in the streets?
Let them be yours alone
And not for strangers with you.'
Proverbs 5:16- 17, NASB

I included verse 16 for context; I covered it last month. Again, I reference my experience with Gary, the mentally ill soldier who was frightened into a literal interpretation.

For everyone NOT frightened into a literal interpretation, the meaning is clear: this is an analogy, with pure water representing sexual purity. Read verses 15-23 for yourself, and see if you arrive at the same conclusion: sexual purity is defined as lifelong monogamy.

How did you deal with THAT, Solomon, with your 700 wives and 300 concubines? I’m hearing a lot of ‘yabuts’ in your response:

“Yabut, I’m just doing this for diplomatic reasons!”

Ah. Good plan! Too bad it’s going to destroy the kingdom. 
You can’t disregard God’s clear instructions, even if you have a good reason to do so. The best outcome, as in Solomon’s case, is that the consequences fall on your kids, instead of you. 
Any parents out there who think THAT’S a desirable outcome?

Living by the rules brings security, so let’s make LOTS of rules, for everyone!

Nope. 

Add PERSONAL rules if you want, but don’t think that commends you to God, and don’t impose them on others. That has ALWAYS ended in excluding those who doesn’t meet The Standard of study, diet, hair style, skin color, or musical preference.
Remember: Jesus reprimanded the religious leaders who did that,  because they neglected justice, mercy, and faithfulness. 

Something to consider.

Peace be on your household.

Comments

  1. Jennifer EmioheAugust 5, 2023 at 7:23 AM

    This is a good devotional to start my day.

    ReplyDelete
  2. On Christ the Solid Rock I StandAugust 7, 2023 at 7:40 AM

    Nice words my Brother Pat, Justice, Mercy and Faithfulness whom we should not neglect

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mai CoopAugust 8, 2023 at 4:35 AM

    Truth given straight forward and with simplicity

    ReplyDelete

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