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STUDY 268

Text: Proverbs 24
13 August 2006

Dear Parents,

HARD WORK TO LOOK AFTER A FAMILY
There is no question as to the fact that it is hard work looking after a family. One has to hold down a full time job. There are bills to pay. There is a family life to build and sustain. Because of all the many demands of life, some tend to give excuses that they have no time to help others.

EXCUSES MANY MAKE
Let us look at the following text where an attempt to offer excuses is made.

If you say, ‘Surely, we did not know this.’
Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it?
He who keeps your soul, does He not know it?
And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?

Proverbs 24:12

1. Excuses are referred to God – ultimately

To whom are excuses made? This proverb introduces a unique perspective. The idea in this text is that excuses are ultimately heard by the Lord.

2. The excuse of ignorance

This is about the most common of excuses. Can we get away with this excuse, easily as we may imagine?

3. Before a great God

This proverb teaches us to think twice before attempting to make excuses for not being more involved in reaching out to people.

a) God knows our hearts

He knows whether we are truly ignorant of our neighbour’s needs, or whether we have turned a blind eye.

b) God knows the depths of our soul

God knows us far better than ourselves. He knows the intricacies of our heart and soul. He knows why we are not inclined to helping others. He knows every dark secret of our hearts.

c) God will reciprocate

If we lack mercy, neither will we find it in our life. If we lack compassion, we need not expect others to show us any, in our times of adversity. Let us remember that what we sow, that we will reap. If we fail to help others, we fail ourselves.

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie