There is always something to do. If you don’t know what to do – I’ve heard – do the dishes. I Kings 11 makes a few suggestions. Here is a compilation: heed all that I command you, walk in my ways, do the right things, keep my statutes like King David did – then – I will build for you an enduring house, as I did for David, and will give Israel to you. At this intersection in history King Solomon is losing the kingdom. We have relationships that are like our tribe and maybe a small square on earth with a house on it. None of this endures so think in terms of a faith heritage. Following Jesus is the way to build a house that lasts. It sounds easy but are we winning at this life? The first will be last and the last will be first comes to mind. Jesus did not live life like the world so think like an oxymoron. In the film, ‘Young Frankenstein’, the character says, “Walk this way”. This line, delivered by Marty Feldman as Igor, is funny because he exaggerates the way he walks, mimicking the monster’s stiff gait. It is physical comedy. Our lives are messy and real. What we see is not what we get. It is a long obedience in one direction and knowing which direction is your Bible study.
Jesus is the light of the world. Light is both a particle and a wave – quantum mechanics. It’s described as electromagnetic radiation composed of discrete energy packets called photons. John 1:1-5, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” God made photons through Jesus who is the spiritual likeness of photons which can be particles and waves. I’m sorry to leave this because I don’t understand it but it still thrills.
Proverbs 4:23 – “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.” In other words, no one is trapped by trauma. Healing is possible. Renewing our minds would be hopeless except for this biblical truth. Suffering can be real but then so is 2 Cor 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new”. Hallelujah!
People with God’s Spirit remain strong and don’t whither away. The lost remain lost and then are gone to whither away as natural children of wrath. What does grace look like? Eph 2:4-5, “BUT GOD, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead (whithering) in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)”.
