What we left behind

In the bible, ancient Egypt appears to represent a state in which we all find ourselves. While residing in Egypt, the Israelites were prosperous, they were luxurious, they were safe. But they were not free. They then left that world for the far-less-glamorous reality of life wondering through the desert.

Likewise, our lives of sin might bring earthly pleasures and treasures, but we are captive to that sin. In leaving those lives of sin, we enter into a different world, one where we must rely upon God's protection.

But leaving those lives of sin inevitable involves the occasional "looking back." In Numbers 20:5 (KJV), the Israelites grumble to Moses,

Wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.

Note that those items listed are all earthly delights. Important ones, sure, especially in the case of water. But this grumbling for earthly items shows a lack of trust in God.

We fall into this same mindset. And when we do, we should recall the words of David in Psalm 56:11-13 (KJV),

In God have I put my trust ... for thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?

Foresee evil, and hide

Remaining with the pursuit of "wisdom" from the book of Proverbs, the verse presented in Proverbs 22:3 (KJV) holds an important life lesson. It reads,

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

Every single moment of every single day, sin lurks in our path. This verse encourages us, with the guidance of God, to be our own spiritual coach. We should make an effort to "foresee the evil," and then once we identify it, we should "hide ourselves" from it.

On the contrary, those who lack wisdom "pass on," meaning they do not seek to avoid the evil. And then they must suffer the consequences.

It's a relatively simple verse, but one that should guide our actions throughout every day.

Wisdom's invitation to us

The early parts of Proverbs speak of "wisdom," which appears to be a shorthand way to refer to righteousness obtained through faithful love of God. Those early parts of Proverbs also highlight the rewards of seeking that faithful love, and also the pitfalls of not pursuing it.

The first few verses of Chapter 9 highlight a different point. That is, not only is the pursuit of wisdom rewarding, but also that pursuit is very easy, because we have already been invited to do it!

Proverbs 9:1-6 (KJV) reads,

Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:  

She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. 

She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city, 

Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, 

Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. 

Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

The first two lines set the image of a banquet to which we have been invited. The next three lines highlight the specific invitation to attend that banquet. And the last verse offers a bit of advice, and a hint as to the reward, for seeking that wisdom.

Today marks the beginning of Lent. Although not a formally-declared biblical season, Lent marks a good time to accept that invitation to seek God's love. And then to enjoy the rewards that follow!

Joshua as a "type" of Jesus

Moses gives many wonderful speeches, but I'd like to focus on his address in Deuteronomy 31. In that chapter, Moses is handing leadership responsibilities over to his successor, Joshua. It is Joshua, not Moses, who will guide the Israelites into the promised land.

The name "Jesus" is the Greek version of the name "Joshua." To that end, we may view the Old Testament Joshua as a "type" of Jesus. (The word "type" is often used to refer to Old Testament prophetic symbols of Christ.) Joshua was to lead the Israelites into the earthly Promised Land, just a Jesus is to lead us into the heavenly Promised Land.

Whatever problems and fears we confront, they must pale into comparison to what those Israelites faced at that point. But Moses says to the people (Deuteronomy 31:7, KJV),

The Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.

These words also are directed toward us. As we journey to our heavenly Promised Land, let us keep Moses' words on our mind.

A year-long bible reading plan

The start of a new year is an excellent time to begin a bible reading plan. My favorite, and the one I try to finish every year, is the well-known One Year Bible. Another excellent option is The Daily Bible, organized by F. LaGard Smith. (Having read Smith's version several times, I can promise that it feels like taking a semester-long collegiate-level course on the bible!)

But one need not commit to reading the entire bible. Indeed, one can construct an individualized bible reading plan. For example, just to make something up on the fly, one could read one chapter per day from the following five books:

• Genesis
• Luke
• John
• Romans
• Hebrews
• Psalms
  

That's 274 days of reading, so you've built in some cushion for the occasional missed day.

Whatever the plan, the point is for us to commit to active reading, and then to let that daily reading guide our prayers.

The "SOAP" method of bible study

The "SOAP" method often is presented as a way to engage children with bible stuff. But as emphasized by Paul (1 Corinthians 3:2, KJV),

I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

For those of us struggling with deeper doctrinal "meat" and in need of spiritual reset, the simplicity of "milk" might be exactly what we need. The SOAP method offers an attractive path.

The idea is to first find a short piece of scripture or verse. Here is a good resource for that: https://dailyverses.net/

After settling upon a short piece of scripture, write down (or discuss with others) the following four concepts:

• Scripture: write down (or read aloud) the piece of scripture
• Observation: what is God trying to communicate through that piece of scripture?
• Application: how does that piece of scripture apply to my life?
• Prayer: form a short prayer based upon that piece of scripture

This method offers a great approach for solo or group bible study. It works well for children and adults. And it allows us to refocus spiritually when we feel ourselves staying from God's path.

The writing on the wall

Chapter 5 of Daniel contains the famous incident of "the writing on the wall," which is the origination of that famous phrase. In that chapter, Belshazzar, king of Babylon, throws a party during which, in an attempt to escalate the hijinks of the party, he requests drinking vessels from the Jerusalem Temple.

In response, a mysterious hand emerges to write a cryptic message on the wall. Belshazzar summons Daniel to interpret the message. Needless to say, the interpretation is not good news for Belshazzar!

I find myself especially struck by a particular part of Daniel's interpretation. Daniel is explaining to Belshazzar that his father, Nebuchadnezzar, found himself punished by God for his own disobedience and arrogance. Daniel then says (verse 22, KJV),

And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this.

It's easy to shake our heads at Belshazzar, but how often do we fall into that same trap. After all, we have an entire bible full of stories like Nebuchadnezzar's. We should know better, yet we still behave disobediently and arrogantly!

Peter emphasizes a similar point (2 Peter 2, KJV),

After they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

Yikes! While many parts of the bible are meant to provide comfort, these are not those types of passages. Rather, these passages are designed to chastise and bring about humble repentance. Let us take that message to heart in our prayers.