A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day (January 6, 2016)
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, But we will remember and trust in the name of the Lord our God. (Psalm 20:7)
Proverbs Chapter 3 talks a lot about trusting in the Lord versus trusting in our own understanding (our own smarts):
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. (Proverbs 3:5-10)
Some would say we are one of the most technically advanced and smartest countries in the world. We have been able to cure diseases that at one time wiped out thousands. We have built great skyscrapers, huge airplanes, and weapons of mass destruction.
I saw a short video skit one time about this Martian space craft that landed in the back yard of a young married couple. As the couple watched in fear and amazement, two small Martians exited the craft. The couple walked over to them very cautiously and asked them if they could speak English. Surprisingly, they could. The Martians began to share with the couple that they were travelling to every planet in the Universe to see what was the greatest event or accomplishment that had happened on each planet. They then asked the couple what type of great event or accomplishment had happened on Earth?
The couple thought for a long time and then the woman said, “I know one thing, we discovered democracy”. The woman then began to explain to the Martians about the three different branches of our government (Executive/ Legislative/Judicial) and went into great length. The two Martians looked at each other and said to each other quietly, “Primitive, primitive.” They then asked the couple if there was anything else?
The man piped in and said. “I know. We have discovered nuclear power.” The man then began to explain how we provide electrical power to cities with nuclear powered plants and how we have nuclear powered submarines and even atomic bombs. The two Martians looked at each other and said quietly to each other, “Primitive, primitive.” They then asked one more time if the couple knew of any other major or significant event that had happened on Earth?
The couple thought and thought and the woman finally said, “Well, I know of one event that may qualify. God visited Earth”. The two Martians all of a sudden became very excited and said. “You mean the God of this Universe visited Earth? You mean the God that created the Heavens and named all the stars? You mean God Almighty??? That must have been the most momentous occasion that had ever happened on this planet. Everybody must have celebrated Him and worshipped Him! It must have been the greatest time ever on this planet!”
The couple looked at each other and their demeanor suddenly changed to one of sadness and shame. The couple then responded to the Martians and said, “Actually, it didn’t happen like that. Actually, we crucified Him.”
Wise men of old made that decision to crucify Jesus. Sometimes we can become too smart for our own good. Sometime we trust in worldly people and worldly things, like chariots and horses, versus Heavenly wisdom from above. That normally results in some sort of destruction or disaster.
There is a way to test whether wisdom is from above:
But the wisdom from above is first pure [morally and spiritually undefiled], then peace-loving [courteous, considerate], gentle, reasonable [and willing to listen], full of compassion and good fruits. It is unwavering, without [self-righteous] hypocrisy [and self-serving guile]. (James 3:17, Amplified)
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)
God’s wisdom is not given to fence us in, but it is given for our protection and freedom. If we rely on His wisdom and His understanding, versus our own, it will go well with us.
Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. (1 Corinthians 3:18)
