For today, One Year Bible Online links here.
This proverb reminds us that the oppressors of the poor are not always the rich. The poor, also, sometimes oppress the poor and when they do it is even worse than when the rich do so.
The way to fight the wicked is to support the rule of law. The wicked thrive and are honored when the law is arbitrary. The last of these proverbs really remind me of our society today. Many people fail to understand justice, do not know how to tell what is right, because they have become enamored of wickedness. Those who seek God instinctively understand what is right and recognize justice when they see it (and injustice when they see that as well).
The psalmist says that if someone opens the door where the righteous can enter into the presence of the Lord, he will go in and praise the Lord. Will you do likewise? I will, for God has answered my prayers and given me victory. God has taken that which the human experts rejected and made it the key element of His work. Do people tell you that you are too small, too insignificant, too whatever, to make a difference? Do not listen to them, God has put you where you are in order to serve His purpose. He will use you to accomplish great things.
I was really struck by the wording of this passage in light of world events. What causes quarrels, fights, and wars? They come about as a result of the evil desires inside each and every one of us. We want what we do not have, so we scheme and kill to get it. If that means starting a war, some of us will do that as well.
James goes on to remind us that all of this is pointless because if we asked God He would give it to us, as long as our motives are correct. If our intention is merely to satisfy our own pleasures, God will not give it to us. If, on the other hand, we want something so that we can serve Him, or meet the needs of others, He will give it to us. If we have allowed the world to convince us that we deserve something we have become idolaters. Instead of seeking things for our own pleasure and glory, let us humble ourselves and seek things for the good of others and the glory of God.
Every time I read Ezekiel’s description of the Temple which will be built after Israel’s restoration I look for what it means for me. I am sad to say that the Holy Spirit did not inspire me with any meaning from this passage today. I have read several blogs which attempt to explain what role this Temple plays in Christian theology, but they failed to move me. The only thing about this passage which is at all striking is the possibility that there will be a time in the near future where ISIS (or some other alliance of Muslims) attacked Israel, were decisively defeated by an act of God, and the people of Israel built a Temple in Jerusalem with no need to fear international repercussions.