A season of self-introspection is healthy if we are willing to see ourselves, not for who we think we are or what others say about us, but for whom we are in the sight of God. Sooner or later we all go through a time when we ponder questions such as:
Who am I? What is my purpose for living?
Perhaps there is someone reading today’s devotional that is wrestling with purpose, life and direction, if so, today’s proverb should both challenge and inspire you.
Proverbs 16:4 – “The LORD hath made [work; ordain] all things for [favorable to] Himself: yea, even the wicked [ungodly; morally corrupt] for the day [time; moment] of evil [sin; wickedness; misery; distress].”
There are some basic fundamental truths in this parable that address the wonder of who we are. The first truth is that God is Creator. For over a century the proponents of evolution have not only sown the seeds of atheism, but also demeaned the value of human life. The Bible states a non-negotiable fact—Adam, the first man was created by God in His image—meaning man is a conscious spiritual being, a living eternal soul (Genesis 1:26-27; 2:7, 18, 21-23).
David confessed the sovereignty of God and the sanctity of human life from the moment of conception in Psalm 139.
Psalm 139:13-16 – “For thou hast possessed [created] my reins [organs; inner being]: thou hast covered [joined together] me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. 15 My substance [bones; frame] was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect [embryo]; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.”
For what purpose did God create man and the universe? Solomon states the answer to that question in a simple, beautiful statement.
Proverbs 16:4a – “The LORD hath made [work; ordain] all things for [favorable to] Himself…”
How is that for life’s purpose? God not only made the world, He also made you and me—for Himself! As God’s created, our fulfillment is not in living for ourselves, but in living for the One Who created us! We read that same truth in the Book of Revelation:
Revelation 4:11 – “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”
Consider that “…even the wicked [ungodly; morally corrupt]” serve a purpose in God’s plan. God did not determine that man would be sinful. Adam, in an act of disobedience and rebellion, made that decision (Genesis 2:8-9, 16-17, 3:6-7, 17-19) and his fallen nature has passed from generation to generation since (1 Corinthians 15:21-22).
How do the wicked serve to glorify God? Solomon states, “even the wicked [ungodly] for the day [time; moment] of evil [sin; wickedness]” (Proverbs 16:4b).
What is “the day of evil”? It is the day of God’s judgment! The day “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10-11; note also Romans 14:11). God’s judgment of the wicked will declare He is Holy, Just and Sovereign.
My friend, should you fail to confess you are a sinner and believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sins, you will face the day of God’s judgment as one condemned, eternally lost.
Revelation 20:11-15 – “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
Is there hope? Absolutely! Sin demands payment and that payment is death. We read
in the Book of Romans, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
How can one’s sin debt be paid? Not by good works (Ephesians 2:8-9), but by the redemption made possible through the shedding of Christ’s blood on the cross.
1 Peter 1:18-21 – “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:”
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