Proverbs 30:11-14 There Are Those
This simple phrase draws a line between ‘those’ whom you want to be counted with and ‘those’ you don’t. ‘Those’ in our reading are not in alignment with God.
Today’s verses brought back a memory associated with “There are Those.” It is from the movie “The Happiest Millionaire” and involves two of the characters who have their noses stuck up so high, that if it rained they would both drown. They started out with the phrase “there are those” being representative of their group but by the end, one didn’t want to be one of “those.” Just for fun, I hope you have a laugh at this song.
Our reading has us NOT wanting, from the beginning, to be labeled among “those.” The “those” being spoke of today are those that believe they have righteousness apart from God, or at least that’s how I see it.
Cursing their fathers and not blessing their mothers speaks to me of someone who thinks their parents have ‘fed them a lie’ and they refuse to go that way. The young adult who wants no part in what they were taught as a child. This would be the generation who turns away from God’s teaching. The generation of Manasseh who followed Hezekiah’s generation.
“Those who are clean in their own eyes but are not washed of their filth” (verse 12) speaks clearly of those who claim that they are “good people” and will be admitted into Heaven on their own merits. The are so confident in their own goodness that they are arrogant and will hear nothing spoken against them. Some may even claim this access to Heaven by virtue of their status, fame, or money. They will be utterly shocked when the day comes that they stand before the Lord in their own righteousness.
The next group of “those” I see as ‘Christians’ who are pounding on others with doctrine and rules without having relationship with God anywhere in their own lives. These would be the ones who said “But we prophesied in Your name and did other wonderous works.” And Jesus’ response to them was, “Depart from me for I knew you not.” Paul called this “a form of godliness” and warned Timothy to stay away from them.
After reading this passage with Paul’s warning again in 2 Timothy 3:5-7, I could see several of today’s religious groups within this caution. Religions riddled with rules in exchange for a real relationship with God and faith in the work Jesus accomplished on the cross. Those who are caught up in such organizations are TRULY poor. They have been given a false sense of security that has no basis in truth and will be devoured in the end.
I will claim NO special knowledge beyond this; JESUS is the ONLY WAY into Heaven. Our works are nothing without His righteousness. We could have campaigns as big as the most famous pastors ever, but if we aren’t pointing people to Jesus, our work is worse than useless. It’s destructive!
If you take NOTHING else from ALL I have EVER written, please take this; Jesus is my Lord and Savior and he wants to be yours too. That is the ONLY WAY into the Family of God. Be one of “those” children of God. It is through a personal relationship with God’s Son, Jesus Christ.
Father God, PLEASE don’t let me belong to any of “those” groups except the one that belongs to You. I have NO standing apart from Jesus and will never claim to. THANK YOU for calling me Your daughter.
Lord Jesus, THANK YOU for ALL that You have done for me! You continue to plead my case before Your Father. You bring me before Him through Your righteousness. I wouldn’t even make it past the first toe at the entrance without You.
Holy Spirit, THANK YOU for teaching me God’s word. For guiding my heart in the paths laid out for me before my birth. For being with me ALL the time, even if it is just to pull my hand back from the fire. You are patient with me but also persistent. And I NEED both! Thanks for never giving up on me.
