Context

Context is vitally important and an example would be when in reading a blog. Most of you know I am retired, but have been privileged to be used by the Lord to serve churches as an interim pastor. I am coming to the end of my 4th interim in the 5 years since I retired. The reason I noted this as important is that as you read my blog where I am at in life is the context for what I share with you. Because, as I am retired, I remain active in churches but in a much different way than when I pastored full time. So I have time to think about and consider things that the business of a pastor would not allow me the time.

This week is the Southern Baptist Convention in Dallas, TX and we have attended many a convention over our life in ministry. We don’t attend them anymore because we are not involved in the business of the convention any longer.

Things in the convention at all levels have changed over my years of ministry. Most for the good, although there are still some areas we struggle with from the local, to the state, to the national and the international level.

The same is true in our country as most things have been for the good although there are still some areas we struggle with from the local to the state to the national and even international level.

Those of you who are reading this today may have differing views on anything from the religion to the politics. We all have those things we believe in and therefore place our trust in and that is very important.

For the past few days in reading God’s Word each day, I have been in the Proverbs. The origins and authorship will traditionally attribute it generally to King Solomon (reigned c. 970–930 BCE). Solomon was renowned for his wisdom as seen in 1 Kings 4:29–34. The text itself attributes many proverbs to him Proverbs 1:1, 10:1, 25:1, reflecting his legendary reputation.

While Solomon is the central figure, the book includes contributions from others:

•  Agur, son of Jakeh (Proverbs 30:1), an otherwise unknown figure.

•  King Lemuel (Proverbs 31:1), possibly a non-Israelite king or a symbolic name.

•  Scribes of King Hezekiah (c. 715–686 BCE) are credited with compiling additional proverbs (Proverbs 25:1), indicating later work.

•  Anonymous sayings, likely drawn from Israelite and broader ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions, are also included.

The book aims to impart wisdom for righteous living, covering topics like morality, justice, family, work, speech, and relationships. It emphasizes fear of God as the foundation of wisdom. This is how it is explained in Proverbs 1:7-

7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

It is a shame that these words are lost on so many today. That the things of the Lord are not representative of how many approach and live life. Now there are many reasons for this that time does not allow for us to even attempt to scratch the surface. Suffice it to say, as a creation of God and made in His image we have corporately done a miserable job.

Proverbs 6:16-19 tells us that -

16 There are six things that the Lord hates,

seven that are an abomination to him:

17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue,

and hands that shed innocent blood,

18 a heart that devises wicked plans,

feet that make haste to run to evil,

19 a false witness who breathes out lies,

and one who sows discord among brothers.

The term abomination in this context is derived from the Hebrew word tō‘ēḇâ, and refers to something morally repugnant, detestable, or offensive to God’s holiness. It implies actions or attitudes that are fundamentally contrary to God’s nature and righteousness, provoking divine disapproval or disgust.

When I read this text, in the context of what God sees, and then apply that to what I see going on around us at every level. There is no reason to believe that there are not many who are sowing discord among brothers. Does it happen in the church and its denominations, absolutely and at every level. Does it happen in the political world and all the levels of governance, again absolutely.

The world I live in is not my home. I am a voyager through this life and experience life and all of this world. It is impossible for me to understand how people can be so blinded. The same is true for each of you. Remember what we just read?

17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue,

and hands that shed innocent blood,

18 a heart that devises wicked plans,

feet that make haste to run to evil,

19 a false witness who breathes out lies,

and one who sows discord among brothers.

We see this happening everyday. It lives amongst us and we have to experience and deal with it. It is not easy but it is a fact. So when we look around and wonder what is happening, it will not take long to come to a conclusion that as Paul said in Romans 7-

21 I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.

22 I love God’s law with all my heart.

23 But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.

24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?

25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.

It is clear that since the beginning, man as struggled and failed in obeying God. Even you and I who know Him struggle to do His will. Thanks be to God that He is patient, loving and foremost forgiving through His Son Jesus Christ and His sacrifice to save us.

By the way, that is context.

In God’s Grace,

Elbert Nasworthy