November 30, 2022 -- Proverbs 1:8-10 -- Journey through Proverbs to Christmas

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Hear, my son, your father's instruction,
and forsake not your mother's teaching,
9 for they are a graceful garland for your head
and pendants for your neck.
10 My son, if sinners entice you,
do not consent.
Proverbs 1:8-10 ESV

Remember the Advent Challenge? Advent is the period of four weeks before Christmas wherein Christians are encouraged to reflect on Jesus and the reason He became incarnate. That is, He was born of a woman so was fully human and was fully God. The challenge is to read through the Proverbs and read through the Gospel of Luke—17 minutes a day devoted to Bible reading and prayer.

When I worked for a car rental company, I had the name of the company emblazoned on my hat and my coat. The company insisted that when I was wearing their logo and name, I keep the rules of the road and meet with clients with all courtesy. Their name was involved in my actions. That is the point of the garland for the head or pendants around their neck for the believer. Wisdom is as obvious as these visible symbols and wisdom reminds the believer his conduct will impact the way people around him think about God and His followers.

When Jesus was twelve years old, He was in the temple. He sat among the teachers and leaders of the people of God. His questions and conduct were such that those who heard Him were amazed (Luke 2:47). He wore the garland of God’s grace on His conduct. Jesus’ parents were shocked that He was not among the friends and family heading back to Galilee after the Feast of Passover. Jesus reminded them of His work, to be in His Father’s house. He wore the garland of His Father’s grace. Mary treasured up all these things in her heart (Luke 2:51). Notice that Jesus didn’t stop there. He increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). Jesus would resist evil and withstand all temptations, this confirmed His growth in wisdom.

Keep reading the Proverbs and the Gospel of Luke. Trust that God the Father will emblazon His Name and His love on your life and your actions through the power of the Holy Spirit so that you will shine Jesus Christ and His sacrificial love through all your life.

King Jesus, thank You for Your obedience to the Father, such that all Who believe in You know You to be the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world. Blessed Father, thank You for the gift of glory and love, Jesus Christ, Your precious Son, our Lord. Spirit, help us to confess our sins and ever more fully receive the assurance that Jesus’ wisdom and obedience are credited to all who believe in Him. Triune God, help us to grow in wisdom and in stature, in favor with You, O God, and with the people around us so that they will see the garland of Your blessing in every part of our lives. You, Righteous God, are the boast of our lives and the joy of our hearts and the strength of our hope. Amen.

https://youtu.be/6V0J9Rgsr7A Chet Valley Churches “Hark! A thrilling voice is sounding”

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