MEDITATIONS FROM PROVERBS

 

March 19 , 2008

Reading:  Proverbs 10:27-29

 

"The way of the LORD is strength for the upright” Proverbs 10:29

 

Some of the strongest people (spiritually) are those whose physical bodies are weak, so I do not think our text is speaking of physical strength. I know a lady in England whose body is racked with pain, she does not have any feeling in her hands, her legs barely carry her and surgery on her spine has failed to relieve the pain, yet I always enjoy spending time with her because she is a tonic to my soul. Her favorite verse of scripture is “Be still and know that I am God,” and I am convinced her ability to do just that is the source of her spiritual strength. Her life has been dedicated to the Lord and His service and she has truly proven that “The way of the Lord is strength to the upright.”

The way of the Lord is the way of Jesus Christ for He Himself said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” John 14:6. Man has tried thousands of different ways to either find God or to seek self fulfillment but there is only one way that God recognizes. He is so dogmatic about it that He calls it “The Way”, leaving no room for any other. Even some church people seek a different way, many through ceremonies, saints or favorite doctrines, but unless they have yielded themselves to Him who is The Way they are on a path that leads to destruction.

What right does Jesus have to make such a bold statement?

1)     It was stated by God the Father Himself when He said, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” John 3:16. Jesus is the Way provided for us by the Heavenly Father, He is God’s Gift to those who believe in Him, who accept Him as their Savior.

2)     This Way of salvation was accepted by Jesus Himself. Just prior to His crucifixion He went with His disciples into the Garden of Gethsemane and there He prayed, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done” Luke 22:42. In other words “Father, if there is any other way possible to bring salvation to man, please do it, but if this is the only way, I submit to Your will”.

3)     The Way was provided at great expense and sacrifice. Not only did Jesus leave the glory of heaven where He reigned with His Father and the Holy Spirit as Supreme and Sovereign, not only did He suffer extreme physical pain but He actually took our sin upon Himself and became sin for us. Becoming sin for us and knowing this would mean separation from His Father is what caused Him to ask if there was any other way to achieve their purpose. The only time the scriptures record Him crying out in agony was when His Father separated Himself from His Beloved Son “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Mark 15:34. Not once did He cry out as a result of His physical pain which we know was far greater than most men have ever known.

Do you need God’s strength in your life? Then follow the example of Jesus and follow with precision the Way of the Lord. Yield yourself up to Him who said “I will never leave you nor forsake you” Hebrews 13:5. Then you will be able to testify with David “The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid” Psalm 27:1.

 

Heavenly Father, Your strength is more than sufficient for me. You rule the heavens and the earth with Your mighty hand. You speak and it is done. No man can stay Your hand. Help me to look to You no matter the circumstance for I truly believe that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.