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Theme: God Does Not Forsake His People
Text: “Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man’s wisdom maketh his face to shine and the boldness of his face shall be changed.” – Ecclesiastes 8:1.
Comment: While the children of Israel were in the wilderness, Moses assured Ho
Comment: No one can successfully stage a permanent opposition to the truth in that the force behind it is divine. In those days, Gamaliel warned: “Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men… and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.” (Acts 5:34-39) Same was reported of Stephen who was “full of faith and power”, such that, when the people of the synagogue disputed with him, “they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake”. – Acts 6:8-15.
The authority with which our Lord Jesus Christ preached the kingdom news in those days, was a marvel to his listeners, authenticating what apostle Paul said concerning him as “the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:24) At a time they asked, “From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him…? (Mark 6:2) Earlier, after his fascinating presentation on THE BEATITUDES, “the people were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” Matthew 7:28, 29.
All instances above give us better insight into St. Peter’s admonition in 1 Peter 4:11, to the effect that we should declare God’s truth in a way that will bring glory to God.
bab that God Almighty had promised abundant blessings to the nation of Israel and that if he followed them, the blessing would certainly reach him also. Though Hobab was not inclined to go at first, Moses encouraged him to go, telling him, “…And it shall be, if thou go with us, yea, it shall be, that what goodness the LORD shall do unto us, the same will we do unto thee.” (Numbers 10:29-32) When the Jews got to the promised land the descendants of Hobab were given territory to dwell in. (Judges 1:16; 4:11) That they continued in the true way is shown by the fact that the descendants of Hobab, the Rechabites are spoken of in Jeremiah 35. After accompanying the children of Israel to Palestine, they dwelt among them. (Judges 1:16) It was a measure of their strong belief in God Almighty that they kept to the instruction of their father not to drink wine or to live in cities, so that material concerns will not distract them from the way of righteousness.
We should be contented with what we have and not be in a haste to become rich. St. Paul warned: “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee…” – Hebrews 13:5, 6. See also 1 Timothy 6:6-12.