Old Testament Genesis 8:1-10:32
New Testament Matthew 4:12-25
Psalm 4:1-8
Proverb 1:20-23
How Long?
Genesis 8 -9 speak about the conclusion of the Flood and the restart of humanity with Noah’s family. It is true all of us are descendants of Adam & Eve, but it is also true we are descendants of Noah and his unnamed wife. Genesis 10 is a chapter of genealogies that serves as a family tree of the nations and then sets up chapter 11.
In the remaining part of Matthew 4 we read about Jesus early ministry of calling two sets of brothers to follow Him as he ministers primarily in the region of Galilee. His message is a continuation of his cousin’s and forerunner, John the Baptist; “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (3:2, 4:17).
Then we are on to Psalm 4 and Proverbs 1:20-23. In both the Psalm and the Proverb we see the comparison between righteous living and the lifestyle of the wicked. In the Psalm the righteous person rejects the lifestyle of the wicked. The Lord’s way has proved to be so much better. There is a call to the wicked to join the righteous.
How long will you continue to mock me? (4:2a)
How long will you listen to the rumors and believe the lies? (4:2b).
Consider this when you lay down at night (4:4).
Worship and put your trust in the Lord. (4:5).
In the Proverb reading there is a similar calling to the wicked.
“How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?”
“How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?
Verse 23 goes on and invites the wicked to turn away from such living and the Lord will make himself known to you.
Here is what that looks like today.
On New Year’s Day I saw a post from someone who mentioned how excited they were because they actually remembered what they did on New Year’s Eve. Unfortunately, that was not always the case and they mentioned how their partying lifestyle was “miserable” and simply “existing and not living.” Then they trusted Jesus (Psalm 4:5) and He answered and rescued. They concluded,
“Waking up sober and alive in Jesus is FAR better than any drug or alcoholic drink I have ever had!!!”
That is a testimony of the righteous rejecting the lifestyle of the wicked. The offer still stands today, run to Jesus for your rescue and deliverance. This is exactly the message of John the Baptist and Jesus, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” If you don’t know what that means get in contact with me and I will be glad to show you.
How Long? How Long? How long until you repent and put your trust in the Lord?