Revelation

Proverbs 4:20-22
“My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.”

Today’s world is full of things that influence our attitudes, our feelings, and our health. I’m pretty sure we’re all aware of the recent phenomenon of the laughing baby on youtube. You know, the one with the baby laughing uncontrollably while dad rips up paper. It’s pretty much impossible to watch that video without smiling. But just as there are positive influences such as this baby laughing, there are also negative influences that change our feelings and our health.

Reports of tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, wars, murders, kidnappings, rapes, and corruption bombard our eyes, ears, and minds on a daily basis. We have CNN, NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, RUSH-Radio, and countless others infiltrating our homes and our cars with reports of death, destruction, and mayhem across the world. But what are we to do? Certainly we can’t just pack up and live in a cave somewhere. Certainly we can’t just ignore reality. We have to do something, but what?

That’s where the Bible comes in! (It’s okay to say “AMEN” or “Praise Jesus” at this point!)

First of all, the Bible is God’s love letter to us, the world. As I’ve said before, it’s His photo album of grace and love and is wrapped up and completely consumed with Jesus Christ. It was Spirit inspired as the Good News for the world. The Bible, if you will, is our laughing baby. (I know that doesn’t do it justice, but just go with it for now.)

This excerpt from Proverbs 4 is loaded with good news, truth, and help to get us through those tough times, because it screams Jesus. Let’s look at it.

“My son...”. What a way for God to address us (‘son’ meaning you, the reader)! I know that these are the wise sayings of Solomon, but really, they are the inspired Word of God. So really it’s God talking, and He addresses us as ‘son’. What a blessing it is to be called son by the Creator of everything.

Next, an instruction from our Creator: “...give attention to my words...” This simply means don’t dwell on all that worldly stuff. Don’t give your attention to (don’t concentrate your mind on) the negative, but give your mind to one single thought, God’s Word.

Next, the reason behind why He wants us to give attention to His words: they bring life to all who find them! But that’s not all His words bring. They bring health as well. Did you know that when you focus and dwell on the negative your body gets sick? Depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, and cutting are just a few examples of what happens to a person who focuses on the negative. But life and health FOR ALL is what can be found for those who choose to dwell and give attention to God’s words.

And this brings us to Jesus Christ who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the LIFE.” Jesus Christ, who stated, “I have come that you might have LIFE and have it more abundantly.” Jesus Christ, who is the Word of God. (John 1:1) Jesus Christ, who brought healing and health to everyone He touched. (Luke 6:19)

So today I’m telling you, “My friends, give attention to Jesus Christ. Incline your ears to His teachings. Do not take your eyes off of Him and His finished work at the cross. Open your heart, embrace Him and His sacrifice. Jesus is life to all who find Him and He is health to all who have Him.”