3 October 2013 - simply wise

3 October 2013 - simply wise

for all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law.

The word of God is powerful.  The proclamation of the word cuts to the heart (cf. Acts 2:37) because it is sharper than a two-edged sword (cf. Heb 4:12).  Yet this is not a cause for fear or sadness.

“Hush, for today is holy, and you must not be saddened.”

We are pruned by the word of God.  Parts of our lives that don't bear fruit are cut off.  But if we dwell on those things we will be like the Israelites in the desert whose hearts are still in Egypt (cf. Exo. 16).  We mustn't return to that which we vomit up (cf. 2 Pet 2:22).  And the thing is, why would we want to return?  It is only sadness and pain!  Don't romanticize it.  Don't dwell on it.  Let's move forward on the path of life!  There is no room for the sadness we leave behind in the presence of the far greater thing we receive.

Do not be saddened this day,
for rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!”

And this is not just abstract spiritual rejoicing. We are called to genuinely celebrate and rejoice!

He said further: “Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks,
and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared;
for today is holy to our LORD.

The decrees of the LORD refresh us, they give us wisdom, they enlighten us, the endure forever, are just and are more precious than gold or honey.  They give us good reason to rejoice.  And what is required of us to receive this "joy to the heart"?

The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.

Let us be simple!  Let us not complicate the simple because we ourselves are too complicated.  Let us be childlike and place our trust in the promises of God for us. We must be as simple as lambs even in a world full of wolves.

Go on your way;
behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.

Possessions and plans can just be complications and distractions.  We must be simple enough to go to where we are called and not to wander and stray.

Do not move about from one house to another.

Ultimately, the fact the the "Kingdom of God is at hand" is more precious than gold and sweeter than honey.  Let us know and proclaim it so that we may have joy of heart.