What fool really means

 

Twice the psalmist tells us "the fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God." (Psalm 14:1; 53:1). The book of Proverbs contains many negative references and warning to fools.

Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV)

^"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Proverbs 10:8 (NIV)

"The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin."

Proverbs 14:9 (NIV)

^"Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright."

Proverbs 18:2 (NIV)

^"A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions."

The word fool comes from a Greek word that we get our English word moron. The word also denotes one who is stupid or dull. Greek literature sometimes used it to refer to a godless or obstinate person. And it was perhaps parallel to a Hebrew word that means "to rebel against."

Therefore, the fool who has said in his heart there is no God is one who is in open rebellion against God.

 

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Attitude of gratitude

“It happened that as he made his way toward Jerusalem, he crossed over the border between Samaria and Galilee.  As he entered a village, ten men, all lepers, met him. They kept their distance  but raised their voices, calling out, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" Taking a good look at them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." They went, and while still on their way, became clean.  One of them, when he realized that he was healed, turned around and came back, shouting his gratitude, glorifying God. He kneeled at Jesus' feet, so grateful. He couldn't thank him enough—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus said, "Were not ten healed? Where are the nine?  Can none be found to come back and give glory to God except this outsider?" Then he said to him, "Get up. On your way. Your faith has healed and saved you." Luke 17:11-19 (MSG)

Three obvious things happened here. Jesus had compassion on these 10 lepers They cried out for mercy and he instructed them to do something.

Next we see obedience. He told them to go show themselves to the priest. Jesus was operating under the law of the Old Testament that instructed those with any kind of skin diseases to go show themselves to the priest. There was instant obedience. They headed to the local priest.

Next we see an attitude of gratitude. When this one leper saw he was healed, he immediately came back to Jesus and gave thanks and glory to God.  What did Jesus say of him,” Your faith has healed and saved you.” The leper obeyed-faith and the result was healing and salvation. “For by grace are you saved through faith.”

 

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Prayer recognizing His power

Lord Jesus, You – who gave Yourself as a ransom for all- are the only Mediator between God and men. After you made purification for my sins, You sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. You are able to save forever those who draw near to God through You, since you always live to make intercession for me. – 1 Tim.2:5; Hebrews 1:3; 7:25

Lord Jesus, You have been highly exalted by God and given a Name which is above every name; that at Your name every knee should bow of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that You are Lord, to the glory of God the Father. You are the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and the Lord of Lords. – Phil.2:9-11; 1 Tim.6:15

 The Lord has risen!

 And the People replied:

“The Lord has risen, indeed!”

 

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What is absolute in this world?

"Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.” Matthew 5:17-18 (NKJV)

Is there an absolute basis for truth, for law, for real right and wrong? The absolute, Jesus says, in the law of the eternally sovereign God. God laid down His absolute, eternal, abiding law and made it known to humanity. And as God’s own Son, Jesus declared that He did not come to teach or practice anything contrary to that law in the slightest way, but to uphold it in its entirety.

Knowing how hard it is for us to maintain holy attitudes and behaviors for more than a few hours at a time, marvel again at the extreme power of Jesus Christ, who endured every temptation to maintain His purity on this earth. And marvel anew that such supernatural righteous has been given to His followers.

 

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