Thoughts on the readings for April 21st (Deuteronomy 4, Proverbs 31, John 15, 16)

Deuteronomy 4 commences with Moses commanding obedience from Israel. Verses 1-14 speak of the people being told that the Word of the LORD was to observed without adding to it, nor subtracting from it. This was because Yahweh their God demanded exclusive worship; He would tolerate no rivals. The demands for obedience were reasonable since He had rescued His people and shown them mighty miracles in the process. He had given them an incomparable Law, at which the surrounding nations could only marvel. Israel needs to diligently observe all the LORD’s laws and ensure that these laws were ingrained into their children’s minds. The Ten Commandments were delivered to them accompanied by an impressive display of the might and majesty of their Sovereign. So these commandments were morally imperative for Israel to keep when they came into the Promised Land. Verses 15-31 says that idolatry in any form was forbidden. They were not to fashion, or carve, the likeness of any living creature lest it become an idol. The consequences of idol worship would bring punishment upon the nation. If they forsook the idols then Yahweh would show them His love and mercy, which are essential qualities of His character – read verse 31 aloud slowly and contemplate what it teaches you. Verses 32-40 teach that there is no other God than our Almighty Father. And so worship of Him is demanded to the exclusion of all others – idols, covetousness and self (Colossians 3:5; 2 Timothy 3:2). Verses 41-43 describe the assigning of 3 additional cities of refuge east of the River Jordan.

Proverbs 31 concludes the book with section 7 – the words of king Lemuel, which his mother taught him. Once again Lemuel, although exceptionally wise, is not Solomon David’s son – whose wisdom was taught to him firstly by his natural father David; and later, and more importantly by his Heavenly Father. Another sad contrast between Lemuel and Solomon is Lemuel’s writing about a virtuous woman, who may have been his soulmate; whereas even though Solomon had a thousand wives (including his concubines) he seemingly failed to find a true companion – Ecclesiastes 7 verses 28. Verses 1-9 are balanced contrastingly with verses 10-31 the virtues of the wise, diligent and faithful wife. Lemuel’s counsel is an “oracle” ie wise counsel that harmonises with God’s Word. It is recorded here in holy writ as it is endorsed as inspired advice. The name Lemuel means “Godward, or God is Bright”. The author’s intention is to focus his reader’s minds on their Sovereign, “who dwells in unapproachable light” as we are told in 1 Timothy 6 verses 14-16. Verses 3-7 counsel us against immorality and drunkenness. Verses 8-9 are Lemuel’s third admonition to his readers. Only open your mouth to confer a benefit to others – see Ephesians 4 verses 29; James 3 verses 1-10.
Proverbs 31 verses 10-31 give a description of the perfect lifelong companion – the virtuous woman. The 22 verses of this segment correspond to the twenty two letters of the Hebrew alphabet (although they are not in the form of an acrostic). Verses 10-15 tell of the preciousness and value of a virtuous wife. These verses also describe her outstanding character and diligence in all that she does. Verses 16-21 speak of the wisdom of her decisions, her motivations and her skills exercised for her family; and her benevolence to the poor; and her wisdom. Verses 22-27 outline the high reputation of this magnificent woman. These verses speak of her astute and appropriate clothing for her family. They tell us of her confidence in the decisions she makes. This conference comes from a moral compass that has been guided by God’s Word. And so her speech is soft, kind, giving guidance and direction to all who hear her wisdom. Of course she corresponds to the appeal of the woman wisdom throughout the book. Unlike so many modern mothers of today this mother has loving maternal instincts. Verses 28-29 tell us of the awe and appreciation that her family feels for her. Verses 30-31 reveal the source of her virtue – she is a woman who reverently fears her God. And so we are returning to the beginning of the book – Proverbs 1:7. This woman is a fruitful spouse who typifies the Bride of Christ. We are, through belief and baptism into Christ, that bride. Let our life be virtuous and praiseworthy that when our Lord and Master comes he will joyfully invite us to join him in his kingdom – see Revelation 22:17-21.

Chapter 15 of John told us that as Jesus and his disciples moved from the upper room and past the temple; they saw the magnificent portrayal of the vine – that great symbol of Israel. Our Lord told them that he was the True Vine (see Psalm 80). His disciples were the branches and only by associating with him could they bare fruit. The bringing forth of fruit is a tedious and painful process; but ultimately one of great joy. His “agape” love for them was as a friend, who was about to lay down his life for them. The world would hate them just as it hated their Lord. Those believing their Master’s Word would likewise believe theirs. In the 16th chapter he told that those that were soon to kill his disciples would believe that they were doing God service. He told them of the of the work of the Holy Spirit – one of its primary roles to give the Apostles an infallible recall of all the Words and life of their Lord. The sorrow that they were to soon experience with the death and loss of their Lord would be turned to great joy in the fulfilment of all the Almighty had promised. Great rejoicing would be associated with the birth by resurrection of the Son of the new creation of our Sovereign God. Let all believers take heart that our Master has overcome the world. He likewise encourages all believers to do the same in Revelation 2 and 3.