"Rescue those being led away to death;
hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,”
does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?" Proverbs 25:11-12
The topic "staggering toward slaughter" seems pretty morbid. It sounds like a meat slaughter house with cattle going toward their doom without realizing it. I don't like thinking about where my meat comes from and how it got on a plate in front of me. I likely think the meat industry also does not want consumers thinking too much about it. It might affect the sale of meat.
What was Solomon trying to say? Proverbs 1:1-3 state that Solomon wrote Proverbs to Israel to help them in "gaining wisdom and instruction" and to learn how to proceed "doing what is right and just and fair".
I can't read Solomon's mind but I will make a logical guess what he was trying to say. He was concerned about the Israelites and their relationship to God. He perhaps likened them to cattle that were unable to perceive that doom awaited them.
My Dad, now deceased, grew up in the Amish church, and my family and I are involved with Mission to Amish People (MAP). Amish people, and people of many other denominations, emphasize works and following rules. Acceptance of God and salvation by faith in His Son Jesus Christ is oftentimes not a point of emphasis. I myself grew up in a Mennonite church and was baptized and taken in as a member when I was about fourteen years old, but I know I was not saved by faith in Jesus Christ.
First question: Can many of these dear and beloved Amish people, others, and myself before I was saved by faith in Jesus Christ, be likened to cattle staggering toward slaughter?
Second question: Is Satan behind the staggering, and does he want people to think about the fact that they might be headed toward slaughter?
Third question: What is our role to "hold back" persons headed toward slaughter?
Fourth question: What is God's perspective on us if we do not make an effort to "hold back" persons staggering toward slaughter?
See you next time,
Arlen
5 comments:
Arlen, that was an interesting take. I have actually been dealing with just that. I have many friends here at my mom's mennonite church but see so many things that could change peoples lives instead of living out the letter of the law. So I have chosen to just hang out here for a while an try to help out what I can. I absolutely don't feel qualified but this seem to be where God wants me. If what we do for the Lord isn't out of complete love and faith our works are useless. Yes I believe it is our responsibility to hold them back from certain doom. I appreciate your comments God Bless you
So thought-provoking, Arlen.
Thanks Galen and Joanne for your comments. Galen it is good to hear from you. I read some of your blog posts and really appreciate your honesty with good times and with struggles. I hope and pray your mom is doing well. I was sorry to hear that your brother and Dad passed away. At the Yoder reunions you all were so full of energy and fun. I went to Mose Yoder reunion a couple weeks ago and it was great to visit with family that I hadn't seen for awhile. Uncle Eli is now 93 and Uncle Henry is 85, but still full of fun and love for their families.
This is a sobering Scripture, for sure. Lord, give me Your eyes and help me to see things as You do!
Rhonda it is a sobering scripture for sure, but I think it also is an action scripture that gives us a sense of urgency to get us on the road to take action now instead of waiting until it's too late. (I'm speaking to myself here as I have tendency to be not an action type of person.)
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