The Woes of False Paths

Prayer-Soldier · Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2019 6:06 pm Post subject: The Woes of False Paths

The Woes of False Paths

Scripture:

Thus says the Lord: Cursed be the man that trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm, and whose heart departs from the Lord. For he shall be like tamaric in the desert, and he shall not see when good shall come: but he shall dwell in dryness in the desert in a salt land, and not inhabited. Blessed be the man that trusts in the Lord, and the Lord shall be his confidence. And he shall be as a tree that is planted by the waters, that spreads out its roots towards moisture: and it shall not fear when the heat comes. And the leaf thereof shall be green, and in the time of drought it shall not be solicitous, neither shall it cease at any time to bring forth fruit.
( Jeremiah 17:5-8 )

Now if Christ be preached, that he arose again from the dead, how do some among you say, that there is no resurrection of the dead?

For if the dead rise not again, neither is Christ risen again. And if Christ be not risen again, your faith is vain, for you are yet in your sins. Then they also that are fallen asleep in Christ, are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now Christ is risen from the dead, the first fruits of them that sleep:
(1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20)

And coming down with them, he stood in a plain place, and the company of his disciples, and a very great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and the sea coast both of Tyre and Sidon.

And he, lifting up his eyes on his disciples, said: Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you that hunger now: for you shall be filled. Blessed are you that weep now: for you shall laugh. Blessed shall you be when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Be glad in that day and rejoice; for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For according to these things did their fathers to the prophets.

But woe to you that are rich: for you have your consolation. Woe to you that are filled: for you shall hunger. Woe to you that now laugh: for you shall mourn and weep. Woe to you when men shall bless you: for according to these things did their fathers to the false prophets.
(Luke 6:17, 20-26)

Reflection:

The woes of people are often found when they pursue paths of their own design which do not consider the design of God. Believing they are wise by their own estimation (cf. Proverbs 3:7, 26:12, Romans 11:25, 12:15, 1 Corinthians 3:19), they stumble in the darkness and fail to comprehend the source of their sorrows. Blessed are those who seek first to hear the call of the Lord, for as they follow His voice, they shall find a more excellent way. (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:31)

It is with short sighted eyes some are seduced to pursue the ways of the world. They consider the outcomes of the moment, but fail to observe the sorrowful consequences which follow from haughty pursuits. With selfish designs, they walk their path, failing to see the blessings which may be shared if they allowed the wisdom of God to be their guide.

Blessed are we for the patience of the Lord, for though we may stumble and fail in grievous ways, He awaits to pick us up and dry away our tears. (cf. Revelation 7:17, 21:4) He desires to dust away our haughtiness and arrogance so we may be filled with the blessings of humility. He endeavors to cleanse us of our selfishness so we may know the blessings of the ways of selfless love.

The sacrifice which was made for us from upon the cross brings forth our hope, for what was done for us allows us to repent and approach Him with a contrite heart. The love of God is so great for us, He is willing to forget our sins if we will take His hand. Let us, then, turn away from the deceptions and seductions of the world and turn to Him so we may share the blessings of love.

Questions for further reflection:

In what ways do we listen for the voice of God to guide us?

In what ways do we seek to learn the wisdom of the Lord?

In what ways do we give thanks for that to which God leads us?

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier