Prerequisits

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 2

Gold Nugget
Verse 5: “Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.” 

Commentary

Have you ever been interested in taking a course only to find out about its “prerequisites” later? I have been hindered by this before. I say hindered because I didn’t always see the need for the prerequisite. I just wanted to get what I needed without having to endure something that didn’t even seem related. A prerequisite is defined as “something required as a prior condition for something else to happen”. Today’s “gold nugget” assumes you have met the prerequisites to receiving knowledge from God. When it says, “Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.” In this verse, “Then” means, after something else. What is the “else”? What are the prerequisites to finding the knowledge of God? Going back to the verses prior, we see that they are listed as follows…

• ·         My son, if you receive my words,
• ·         And treasure my commands within you,
• ·         So that you incline your ear to wisdom,
• ·         And apply your heart to understanding;
• ·         Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
• ·         And lift up your voice for understanding,
• ·         If you seek her as silver,
• ·         And search for her as for hidden treasures; 

“Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.”

A brief summary will lead us to conclude that God is waiting on us. He specifically requires (requisites) that we have a sincere desire to being able to receive, be passionate about His commands (Treasure them), be sensitive in your ears and heart, apply yourself, cry out to Him for discernment of the truth, and to be willing to stick with searching as fervently as you would for silver or hidden treasures. The old saying, “God helps those who help themselves”, although not an scripture itself, the principal applies here. Many of the things we want and need from Him are outside of our reach simply because He looks at us and says, “They don’t want it bad enough”. I really believe that. The scriptures are so clear that we have to reach out to receive. James 4:8a, “Draw nigh unto God and He will draw nigh unto you”. That is one of the verses that I stand on more and more. He will do His part, but are you willing to do yours?

Prayer
Lord, I know that when my spiritual growth is stunted, it is because of my lack of interest in growth. I want to grow into the person you want me to be and do the work that you want me to do. Help me today to find the passion and strength to be able to press on with hunger for you and your words. Amen

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