For today, One Year Bible Online links here.
This proverb tells us that the prudent take precautions against danger, while the foolish charge in without taking notice and suffer the consequences. It is worth noting how the prudent approach to danger differs from the lazy approach (described by the writer elsewhere). The prudent take note of potential danger and take precautions, but do not let potential danger stop them. The lazy use potential danger as an excuse not to do anything.
I have confidence in God. I will sing praises to His name, morning, noon, and night. No matter how bad things may seem, I am confident that God can and will rescue me. I am certain that save us by His power.
The old covenant was but a preview of the good things to come. It was not those things. If the sacrifices under the old system had been able to make those offering them perfect, they would have ended when this was accomplished (which after a manner of speaking they did, after the new sacrifice had been offered). Instead the sacrifices under the old system continued year after year reminding the people of their guilt.
Under the old covenant the priests offered the same sacrifices day after day. Those sacrifices were not able to take away sin. They were only able to cover it over. However, under the new covenant, Christ offered a sacrifice for all time and is now sitting at the right hand of God. Perhaps they key phrase to understanding what the writer is getting at is in verse 14: “For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy.” Christ’s sacrifice has perfected us, but we are still in the process of being made holy. It is by Christ’s sacrifice that we are made perfect. That part has been completed, but the transformation takes time and we are still in the process of being made holy.
Ezekiel declares that God’s judgment is about to fall on Jerusalem because her walls are filled with idolators and sinners. In chapter 22 verses 6-12 he gives a list of the sort of sins which they committed. As I read this list it reminds me of our society today, as those who are not committing these sins are justifying those who are. Ezekiel goes on to condemn the leaders of the people of Jerusalem. Rather than serve the people the leaders use their leadership positions to enrich themselves. Their only goal is to feed their own pleasures. God looked for someone to rebuild the wall of righteousness. He looked for someone to stand in the gaps against the waves of sin crashing through the holes in the wall. God found no one willing to do so, so now the consequences of those sins will come crashing down upon the people.
Our society is at a similar place. Will you work to rebuild the wall of righteousness? Will you stand in the gap and attempt to shelter others from the consequences of sin by calling them to righteousness? It is time, and past time, for those who remain faithful to get to work.