MVTClass.com

“Be still,” sings the Psalmist; “Keep still”, Moses said to the people of Israel by the shores of the sea.  But Moses said more than that:  “Do not be afraid, stand firm, and see . . .”

Yesterday, we talked about the meaning of “being still” and giving over control to God, but this is surrender that goes beyond passivity.  Let’s take a look at today’s lesson scripture:

3 Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you;
4 So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and of people.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
8 It will be a healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body.
9 Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce;
10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.  Prov 3:3-10 (NRSV) bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.

I’ve linked verse three to verses from the sixth chapter of Deuteronomy.  They are a part of the Shema – the prayer of faith that is to be recited daily by Israel.  This is an affirmative act, just as remaining loyal and faithful and placing our whole trust in God are affirmative acts.  Grace is all that is necessary for salvation, but grace is so much more.  If we would only acknowledge him in all our ways, and allow grace to not only justify but sanctify our lives – think what the world would be like!  If we allowed God to lead, if we followed where he led, then we would truly act out Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18 and put our hand to the work of the New Creation.

It is in that spirit that we should read the whole of Proverbs, chapter three.