“Go From the Presence”

The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…

"Go From the Presence"

   While our Lord calls us to be merciful, kind, and patient with people, He does not call us to suffer fools gladly.

   "Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge" (Proverbs 14:7).

   Sometimes we encounter people who are, at least for the moment, beyond any help we or even God can be to them.  We are under no obligation in such cases to venture beyond the call of duty.  We go far, doubtless as led and enabled by our Heavenly Father.  However, when we perceive that the one we seek to benefit simply will not be helped,  our calling involves the determination to waste no further time or effort.  The Apostle Paul acted in this manner when the Jews of Macedonia "opposed themselves and blasphemed": "Your blood be upon your own heads" declared Paul, who also added, "Henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles" (Acts 18:6).

   God helps those who will be helped.  As His children, we follow suit.  If an open heart exists for the love of Christ we seek to communicate, we leave no stone unturned in finding ways to express and exemplify God's grace, truth, and loving purposes.  For the closed heart of the fool, however, we "go from the presence".  Perhaps the day will come when that heart opens as a flower to the sun (Son).  Until then, we waste no precious time seeking to cultivate seed for which no soil exists.  Much wisdom is required, and through the Lord Jesus, much wisdom is promised.  "Christ Jesus… is  made unto us wisdom" (I Corinthians 1:30).  Our Father will lead us unto those who will listen and perhaps respond, but away from those who will not see, hear, or open their hearts to Him, or to us.

"Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding."

(Proverbs 9:6)

Weekly Memory Verse

   Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

(Philippians 4:8)