(Prov 25:1,2 NIV) These are more proverbs of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah: It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.
This morning we get back to our series entitled, “Unlocking the Power of Proverbs – Walking in the Wisdom of God.” I started this series years ago. Since the book of proverbs is so long (31 chapters) and since I am basically going verse-by-verse, I knew it was going to take a long time, but I guess I just did not realize how long. However, I am thankful that the length of the series has not detracted from the blessing it has been to me and to others; and I pray it continues to be a blessing as we seek to finish it out. I have taken my diversions, from time to time, as I have been led to do so and after a few weeks of diversions, we are back. So let’s get to it.
The opening of the 25th chapter marks another ‘book’ within the book of Proverbs. Chapters 25 to 29 contain proverbs that were written by Solomon but then copied and publicized years later by the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah. King Hezekiah found these proverbs useful during his tenure as king and he was careful to preserve these sayings for the generations who would follow. I give some credit to Hezekiah here, but of course, we know that our sovereign God was obviously at work as well, ensuring we had these sayings today.
This book of proverbs actually starts with the second verse and it talks about the balance between our search for knowledge and God’s ability to conceal it. It was a royal duty to gain a mastery of the issues in order to render sound decisions in politics, war, law, economics, or anything else. While you and I are not kings, the same can be said for all leaders. As a Christian leader you have an obligation to ‘search out’ the counsel of God concerning any issue that may arise under your leadership. As a believer this investigative action takes place within the context of the great humility we have as we seek to understand the mystery of God’s ways. Part of the glory and majesty of God is that His ways are past finding out. Yes, part of the exciting nature of living by faith is that there is a level of mystery to God. Quite honestly, I don’t want to serve a God I can completely figure out. If I could figure out God I could be God’s god, but I obviously can’t and neither can you. But this mystery does not preclude us from our obligation to study and search out His ways. We have an obligation to attempt to discern God’s will – when it is not painfully obvious in His Word – in order for us to overcome every obstacle and master every task, no matter how difficult, to the glory of God.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. There are some things that we will never fully understand; things beyond the comprehension of man (Isa 55:9).
2. There is a level of mystery to God and that mystery (the unknown) is what requires faith, on our part, to follow Him.
3. Be thankful that you don’t have a God that you can completely figure out.
4. Our mysterious God does require us to “Search the scriptures” (Jn 5:39) and “Study to show ourselves approved” (2Tim 2:15).
5. As we study and pray our God can enable us to supernaturally discern things that far exceed anything we could attain through our intellect and human effort.
6. Divine revelation gives us a true advantage in all of our affairs; to the glory of God.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for being a God I cannot completely figure out. Your ways are above my ways. Your thoughts are above my thoughts. You are super and I am merely natural. But I also thank You for revealing to me things that are concealed to others. Through divine revelation You impart wisdom and understanding to me, and it gives me an advantage in all of the affairs of my life. I am able to lead with confidence because I am being led by You. Your super, on my natural, enables me to operate in the supernatural daily. I have divine insight and spiritual understanding. I search, study, and pray and as I do, You reveal, unfold, unpack, and expose Your wisdom and that wisdom makes all the difference in my life! I declare this by faith! In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
