Moving On

My time in the desert is through...for now. I wanted to continue on in Deuteronomy, cross the Jordan and get to the milk & honey. But, the Lord whispered that we have some work to do before we get there.

So, Proverbs it is. And I can see why.

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
for attaining wisdom and discipline;
for understanding words of insight;
for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life,
doing what is right and just and fair;
for giving prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young-
let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance-
for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
--Proverbs 1:1-7

The Israelites didn't just walk right into the Promised Land. They had to fight for it, many times over. The battles would require discipline and wisdom. Two things I desperately need in my life. So, lessons from the wisest human who walked the earth are in order.

Discipline isn't pleasant, but necessary. I can't get to the Promised Land without it. I'll admit, right now I'd rather just plop down in this good spot and resist God's calling to go beyond (even though I gave the Reubenites grief for it!). Staying here and burying my head in the desert sand is a much easier option, but it won't bring the victory.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
--1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Training camp has begun. Can't you just hear the theme song from "Rocky"? Let's get moving, and keep our eyes on the prize.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith...
--Hebrews 12:1-2