Sunday 13 May 2012

The only wise God

Three times in the Bible God is called "the only wise God", forming a little chiasmus:

A. Rom 16:25-27: Glory to the only wise God, who is powerful to stablish (confirm) us;

     B. I Tim 1:17: Glory to the only wise God;

A. Jude vs. 24-25: Glory to the only wise God, who is powerful to keep us.

There is definite progression in these three references:

i) To God is ascribed "glory" in Romans, "honour and glory" in I Timothy, "glory and majesty, dominion and power" in Jude;

ii) This praise to God is, literally, "unto the ages" in Romans, unto "the ages of the ages" in I Timothy, and "now, and unto all the ages" in Jude.

May we render praise, glory and honour, majesty, dominion and power to the only wise God, now, and unto all the ages. Amen.

Wednesday 18 April 2012

Which side is your heart?

Right, left, or centre?

I don’t care what the anatomists will say about the position of my heart; all I ask of the Lord is that my heart might be at my right hand, for “a wise man’s heart is at his right hand; but a fool’s heart at his left” (Ec 10:2).

May I realize the importance of my heart, and keep it with all diligence (Pr 4:23), giving it the place of honour, power and exaltation. Even if I lose health, wealth, friends and life, may I be found with my heart at my right hand.