Proverbs 6:16-19 There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.
It’s a sad thing, as we’ve been traveling, to discover the number of congregations that have split over non-Biblical issues. I’ve heard nightmare stories of congregations splitting over the color of carpet! I find it amazing how easily the enemy can work his way into the body of Messiah and operate in the fleshly realm. The success level of his diabolical tactics is embarrassing and infuriating, and I want to implore my brothers and sisters to awaken to this damaging process, to gain an understanding of Satan’s strategies, and reverse this destructive pattern.
This particular proverb expresses the objects of God’s hatred. While I could do a series on the passage, I want to focus on what He calls an abomination. Notice the first six things are those which God hates … but the seventh is an abomination! Few words carry the weight of that degree of our Father’s displeasure. One who sows discord among the brethren is someone that God despises. Why such a strong reaction? Perhaps by understanding the reverse of discord, that is, spiritual unity, we may begin to grasp the Lord’s hatred of the actor who works to destroy it. Psalm 133 describes the beauty and excellence of spiritual unity:
“Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, Aaron’s beard, that went down to the skirts of his garments. As the dew of Mount Hermon that descended upon the mountains of Zion; for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life forevermore.
Spiritual unity is where the blessing of eternal life is ordained and experienced, and is evidence of the sweet presence of God’s Holy Spirit (symbolized by the oil on Aaron’s beard). It is the absolute essence of God’s nature, character, and work, and when experienced among His people, is among the most beautiful things in all creation. But where spiritual unity is corrupted and/or destroyed, in the context of his people, God Himself is maligned and the hypocrisy grieves His Spirit and damages His witness; and the reconciling work of His cross is rendered ineffective for those involved. And the result is downright ugly!
It should, therefore, be a frightening thing to engage oneself in sowing or promoting disunity among the saints. And yet it seems to be a common phenomenon. Perhaps, at one time or another most of us have found some “justifiable” reason to malign a brother or sister for petty or superficial reasons. This should simply stop. We need to take the time to discern the true importance of a controversial issue, first of all; and then determine how to lovingly present our concern. Leaders need to powerfully exemplify patience and wisdom in the context of controversies; to determine whether they are doctrinal, cultural, or simply issues of personal preference; and then, to powerfully exhort the parties to humble and deferential dialogue. We simply must strive to preserve the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace…and exemplify the character and work of Messiah.
Much could be said on this subject, but suffice to say here that this is an issue of character. Our responsibility is to build up and not tear down; to encourage one another in the faith, even when we are “sharpening iron”! Be mindful of the things that God hates. Seek peace and pursue it; don’t make mountains from molehills; little children, love one another.
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[worthy_plugins_devotion_single_body]The noted English architect Sir Christopher Wren was supervising the construction of a magnificent cathedral in London. A journalist thought it would be interesting to interview some of the workers, so he chose three and asked them this question, “What are you doing?” The first replied, “I’m cutting stone for a shabby 10 shillings a day.” The next answered, “I’m putting in 13 hard hours a day on this job.” But the last said, “I’m helping Sir Christopher Wren construct one of London’s greatest cathedrals.”
It is among popular “Christian” belief that an abundance of material and other blessings follow those whose hearts are truly after God and that those who seem to consistently struggle to that end, cannot possibly be in God’s perfect will. I want to submit to you a realization I had about this very thing. I think we might have it all backwards.
A National Geographic article published a few years describing a real celestial event which took place at the time of the birth of Jesus reminded me of Risto Santala’s explanation in his book, “The Messiah in the New Testament in the Light of Rabbinical Writings”. He wrote about a conjunction of major planets that took place which could have led the wise men from the east, to Israel.
The Shema is recited every Shabbat in Israel and throughout the world: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.” The emphasis is on hearing—not just with our ears but our hearts. That same emphasis runs through the Gospels, where Yeshua (Jesus) repeatedly says, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” This isn’t just a phrase; it’s a life-changing command.
Many families across the U.S. are gathering today to celebrate “Thanksgiving.” But let’s take a moment to turn our hearts to the ultimate source of thanksgiving: God Himself. Psalm 100 is often called the “Psalm of Thanksgiving,” and it’s a perfect guide for how we should approach God—not just during Thanksgiving but every day.
For nearly twenty years, Romans 13:12 has been my signature verse on every email I send. For me, it’s a constant reminder that the long, dark night of this world is almost over, and the Day of the Lord is just about to dawn.
The testing of Abraham’s faith was repeated by YHVH throughout the patriarch’s entire life. The tests grew greater as his life advanced, and through every one, whether Abraham passed or not, YHVH proved Himself to be his friend over and over again. Every test or “trial” involved a serious challenge or threat in which Abraham had to trust that the LORD knew what He was doing, asking, or requiring, and that His goodness and faithfulness were unquestionably reliable.