What tends to be on our minds at any given time is somewhat driven by the events in which we are engaged. This is one reason the regular study of God’s Word is essential.
World events also play a major part in our thought processes. For example, this week we read of the European Commission President, Jean-Claude Junker, advocating a combined EU military force. In 2010, the then German Foreign Minister, Guido Westerwelle, had called for the creation of a European army so that in the long term the EU can be a global player. “United Europe will only be secure if my generation, which has never experienced war, suffering or hunger, is strongly committed to European integration,” Westerwelle said. “And my generation has a chance to extend this cooperation model far beyond Western Europe, perhaps even to the whole of the European continent.” The resurgence of these ideas probably comes in response to developments across the so-called Islamic Crescent (the general area of North Africa to Pakistan) as Europe is deeply concerned over the current rise of Islamic influence.
Added to this mix is the clear prophetic fulfillment in regard to the decline of leadership from those modern nations descended from Israel. Through the prophet Isaiah God informs us that He will take away good, strong leadership and replace it with “children” and “babes” to rule in their stead (Isaiah 3:4). Specifically, the national leadership will think with the maturity level of adolescents and will act impulsively and unpredictably. We note the current negotiations with Iran and the reaction to the newly elected Prime Minister of Israel as examples. God says, “O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err and destroy the way of your paths” (Isaiah 3:12). The destruction of our secular paths is observable and should motivate us to make certain of the path that we are walking.
We cannot alter the flow of prophetic fulfillment because that is determined by God. But we do have a choice as to the path we follow. In the role of a Father talking to a son, God affirms that, “I have taught you in the way of wisdom, I have led you in the right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run you will not stumble. Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go. Keep her, for she is your life” (Proverbs 4:11-13). Instruction here refers to chastisement as in reproof, warning or instruction. When we think of instruction coming to us from a spiritual source, it challenges the wisdom of the natural mind and acts as a reproof or chastisement to secular thinking. Within the Hebrew language are the ideas of fastening upon God-given wisdom in order to step out confidently – true life.
Wisdom is the ability to live life skillfully – to live a godly life in an ungodly world. To do this with a greater degree of success, it is imperative that we draw close to the source of such wisdom continually. “For the Lord gives wisdom. From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright, He is a shield to those who walk uprightly. He guards the paths of justice and preserves the way of His saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path” (Proverbs 2:6-9).
What is on your mind today?
Brian Orchard