For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Rom. 16
Why should we watch out for people who cause division and put obstacles in our way? What should we do? Paul told the Romans, “I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.” (Rom. 16:19b). This made me think of the temptation of Eve in the Garden of Eden. Satan said to her, “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Gen. 3:5). Turns out, all we need to know about evil is that it exists and we are drawn to it like moths to flame, to our equal detriment. Adam and Eve started out wise about good and innocent about evil, but they desired to know evil. Paul warns us not to make the same mistake.
Thus, the people Paul mentions, who cause divisions and put obstacles in the way, are servants of Satan. “By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naïve people.” (Rom. 16:18b). Isn’t that exactly what Satan did to Eve? We, on the other hand, need to focus on serving Christ. Which is why we need to avoid those who aren’t. Why play for the losing team?
Ezek. 29-30
When Israel leaned on Egypt, what kind of help did Egypt prove to be? Who or what do you lean on in trouble? People make the mistake of thinking that the good they have – be it their wealth, health, position, power, provision, strength, or whatever – comes by their own hand. Egypt made this mistake, saying, “’The Nile belongs to me; I made it for myself.’” (Ez. 29:3b). People also make the mistake of thinking that if their own good fails, they can trust in the good of others. Israel made this mistake when they leaned on Egypt for help.
The truth is, however, that only God is God. All good things come from Him. He gives and takes them away as He sees fit, and because He is sovereign, righteous, and just, He is never wrong in what He does, no matter how it looks to us. Because Egypt and Israel both refused to acknowledge this truth, both were broken. The good news is that, besides being sovereign, righteous and just, God is loving, good, and full of mercy. Therefore, He did not break either nation in order to destroy them. He did it so that they would know that He is the Sovereign LORD. When we acknowledge that truth, it is then that God can gather us back up to Himself, so that He can be our God and we can be His people.