We had company over the day we did this Spiritfire. After the intro’s and the declarations, we began exploring this Proverb through the lens of fear. What did it provide? A choice. We chose to obey rather than to rebel. Much like there are separate houses for the discerning and the fools, our obedience parted ways with the rebellious. If we were to join them to their destination, then their destruction and calamity would be ours as well. The deterrent would not be clear who it was for and justice would not be served. Fear kept us on a better path free from punishment and calamity.  Obedience aligns the kingdoms’ citizens with the will of their sovereign. When justly appropriated, then “justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”

 

When I asked my kids and their friends where was Jesus? How does He fulfill this proverb to make us into new creations?  I heard many answers. A few said, “He is the LORD!” Some also said, “He is the King,” or “Jesus is the Son!” I heard them all, and nodded to each in turn.  When they had quieted down, I asked again, “Yes, but where is He?” Then my son Caleb, who is normally silent, said, “He is with the rebellious.” Everyone paused for a second and let the truth of that thought take flight like Noah’s dove. It is true, time and time again, we find Jesus, our LORD and King, the Son of God, with the sinners, the rebellious.  And the calamity of the cross was not evaded (Mark 15:21-41). The fulfillment of this proverb was acted out upon His flesh and a door was opened, the salvation of humankind.  And through that door flew in Noah’s dove with a leaf in her mouth (Genesis 8:6-12).  Jesus is the Living Water (John 4:14) which flows from the throne in Heaven (Revelation 22:1), giving life for all who believe in Him (John 3:16).