Th.4.30.15...Hurricane Party

Warnings Against the Hurricane Party

The following story is fiction based on fact: A massive category 5 hurricane was headed for the shores North of Miami. State troopers were busy warning people to take shelter inland. But several college students stayed for a "hurricane party!" They stocked up on beer and ice and were ready to party hearty. They mocked those warning them and prepared for a wild ride party. But things turned horrible when the front of the hurricane came slamming ashore. Their boastful shouts at the sea to "Bring it on!" turned to frantic calls for help. But it was too late. The next day they were all found- dead.

Now read Prov.1:20-33. Note here that wisdom is personified as the woman of wisdom. (She will appear again calling out at the end of this big section of Proverbs in chapters 8-9.) 

Many have a hard time with the woman of wisdom (or God) laughing at their calamity (1:26-27). She had earlier asked, "How long will you mockers delight in your mockery?" 1:22. Now she says, "I will mock when calamity overtakes you...like a storm" 1:26-27. Here's my take on such. The loving heart of God never laughs heartlessly at people. He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ez.18:23). In the book of Jonah, we saw God's compassion on display for even the wicked Ninevites. Also He was grieved, not glad, when He destroyed the wicked in the flood. His laughter at the wicked (also pictured in Ps.2:4; 37:13; 59:8) appears to be a figure of speech for His truth and justice being vindicated. His wise warnings were proven true. Ignoring them, and now the gospel call to salvation, only leads to certain disaster. Here's a powerful cross reference-"How shall we escape if we ignore such a great a salvation?" Heb.2:3.

The passage ends, "but whoever listen to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm." 1:33. Of course this is not an earthly promise we can claim, because this is a proverb. Even the most godly, including our Lord, suffered terribly here. But we can spare ourselves from God's judgment by heeding such warnings. And when our Lord returns, we will forever live in safety without fear of harm.

1.-What's one thing that strikes you about what you've read here today?

2.-Pick one verse from Prov.1:20-33 or any cross references that you may choose and enrich us with it. Also jot it down on your MP3 card. 

Announcements
Wow! Your testimonies yesterday regarding your dad were powerful! Thank you! They all are well worth going back to read, if you haven't done so yet. It's helped me to get to know you better and respect you more.

Thanks for your prayers for Roger's wife Julie. She came through the surgery fine.


Thanks to all of you who are faithfully putting your points on the board. This is vital for me being able to give honor to whom honor is due. And this Sunday's meeting will include that.