Many men do not understand Proverbs 31 unless they themselves have given themselves as weaker vessels willingly to Christ, their Headship (their spiritual husband) and to the same process described in Ephesians chapter 5: 25-30. 1 Corinthians 11:3 states clearly that the Head of every man is Christ, just as the head of the woman is man. In this way, many verses in scripture that apply to women, apply to us men 1st in relation to Christ.
Imagine this,
A husband of noble character who can find? He is worth far more than rubies. His Spiritual Headship (Christ) has full confidence in him and lacks nothing of value. He brings Christ�s Body (the church) good, not harm, all the days of his life. He selects wool and flax (things used to make coverings � spiritual coverings?) and works with eager hands. He is like the merchant ships, bringing his food (spiritual food) from afar. He gets up while it is still dark (as Christ did); he provides food (spiritually and physically) for his family and portions for his fellow servants. He considers a field and buys it (where to sow spiritually); out of his earnings (the faith he�s been given) he plants a vineyard (to bear spiritual and physical fruit). He sets about his work vigorously; his arms are strong for his tasks. He sees that his trading is profitable (where his time, life and effort has been spent), and his lamp does not go out at night (Christ in him does not fail in the darkness). In his hand he holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with his fingers (again things used to make coverings � of righteousness for others). He opens his arms to the poor and extends his hands to the needy (like Christ). When it snows, he has no fear for his household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet (results of having spiritually covered his family with Christ though the world around them grows colder). He makes coverings for his bed (of righteousness); he is clothed in fine linen and purple (Royalty/ Christ). His Spiritual Husband/ Headship is respected at the city gate, where HE (Christ) takes HIS seat among the elders of the land. He makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes (he works for that, which is eternal and is provided for by God). He is clothed with Strength and Dignity (Christ Himself); he can laugh at the days to come (for he trusts in the Lord). He speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on his tongue. He watches over the affairs of his household (including the church) and does not eat the bread of idleness (feed from the world). His children (spiritual and physical children) arise and call him blessed; his wife also, and she praises him: Many men do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive, and physical appeal is fleeting; but a man who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give him the reward he has earned, and let his works bring him praise at the city gate (God honors those who honor Him).
If you look closely in Proverbs 31, you will see perfectly the life of our beloved Savior, beautifully lived out before the Father�
Seeing the life of Christ lived out through people's lives in the Old and New Testament blew my mind. Beginning to see that just about everything in scripture points in some way to Christ is still blowing my mind.
The scriptures as a whole are the greatest collection of puzzle pieces in existence - literally puzzle pieces of life, which cannot be approached by man's intellect, but only by the Spirit of God within us.
No less then two times (and still counted), I have found Jesus saying the scriptures speak of him.
You are right, the fullness of scripture can never be attained by the will and faculties of man alone.
These are the words from God, whose ways are not our way, Nor are his thoughts like our Thoughts.
If we are serious about understanding through pursuit of his word, and in study, We need to cry out often: "Abba Father, what are you saying? What do you mean? Please show me!"
Why often? Because there are thousands (if not more) of thoughts and statements that are "Hard Sayings" that are not ascertained.
Amen to that Princekermit! Learning to fight our battles on our knees! Continually "asking" that the Lord would "reveal" His truths to us, instead of "us" attempting to approach Holy God through our own fallen intellect!
Princekermit, I'm thinking you're a pretty awesome guy!
You know, its people like you that make the work God calls us to worth the while!
People on this site should be more open to the Lord's leading...because the scriptures say, that David and Jonathan were actually closer to one another than a woman with a man! LOL
Princekermit,
What kind of church do you attend - Christ in you is making me curious?
"You know, its people like you that make the work God calls us to worth the while!"
With loving respect, I disagree... "the angels in heaven rejoice, when ever one sinner comes to repentance". The lost are what make the work we do worth while. But I love my brothers and sisters, and get along with them far better then the raging deliberately unrepentant sinners, they make it fun and enjoyable.
"People on this site should be more open to the Lord's leading...because the scriptures say, that David and Jonathan were actually closer to one another than a woman with a man!"
The loving friendship of Ruth and Naomi was just about as scandalous.
"What kind of church do you attend - Christ in you is making me curious?"
Very tough question... and the answer is more complicated then I would like it to be.
I attend many churches, like an itinerant preacher.
In the town where I live there are 1. protestant church of about 8-12 people and a roman catholic church, God has not laid it upon my heart to call either one home. San Antonio, which is 30 minutes away, has several thousand churches.
Two churches, that I love, and would call home if I lived near them are a charismatic community/family church that really loves people, with Christlikeness. And the other is a Messianic Jewish temple, and they are very different but the Son of God is loved and worshiped as the NT revealed him to be.
I via the Internet, attend a church in Seattle WA, daily though videos and audio sermons called Mars Hill. They have a solid grip on critical doctrines, and really share the good news.
