Love Not Sleep

Today's comments will focus on Proverbs 20:13. The readings from Exodus can get a little tedious, but we must remember that instructions about the priests' garments, the priests' consecrations, the altar, the tax, the basin, and the like all are an important part of Israel's worship life and were to be taken seriously. The instructions help them to prepare for worship and understand what God does for them. Ultimately, they point forward to Christ, our High Priest, our Sacrifice, our Redeemer. Even if it is tough to read, it is all good stuff, and an important part of the Bible.

...But today, we'll focus on Proverbs 20:13.

Read Proverbs 20:1-15

Read Exodus 30

Solomon tells us many things today, including this, "Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread."

With this and many other similar proverbs Solomon tells us that we ought to work hard. Obviously we need our rest, our recuperation, our repose at the end of the day. But God is pleased when we labor hard for his glory.

You see, there is more to this proverb than "if you want to make money, you have to work." This is not just financial advice. But God calls us to work while it is still day. He calls us to labor in his vineyard. He calls us to do all things for his glory.

We each have a vocation - a special calling in life. What are you? Father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, friend, coworker, teacher, student, (and the list goes on...)? God has put you in a special place. He has given you important work to do. Open your eyes (get up in the morning ready to live for him) and you will have plenty of bread. God will provide for you as you live for him.

Pray:

Pray from your heart today concerning your vocation(s). Ask God to strengthen you to do good work for him. Pray for whatever else is on your heart.

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!