Unfathomable Grace

Jesus Christ, through the “Woman of Wisdom” is calling out to me:

Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars. She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table. She has sent out her young women to call from the highest places in the town, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” To him who lacks sense she says, “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.” Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it.     (Proverbs 9:1-12)

He calls me to his house of excellence; it is well-founded, fantastically beautiful, and set to endure forever. It is the place where celebration and rejoicing are found without regret. In his house, the bounty of the Lord can be enjoyed with thanksgiving, adoration, and a clean conscience, because, “Whether we eat, drink, or whatever we do, we do it all for the glory of God.” He is so gracious with his invitation, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here! Whoever would be humbly led and instructed, step right up! Whosoever wills may come on in!” Within the walls of his mansion, life, reproof, instruction, teaching and insight await. Therefore, If I fear the Lord and reverence his will, guidance, and call, I can take advantage of the Lord’s invitation and enter his house of wisdom and myrrh. Yes, all of this is right before me; I hear him calling me right now. Blessings beyond measure are in his residence if I will only forsake the “other one” calling across the street.

Lucifer, through the “Woman of Folly” is also calling out to me:

The woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows nothing. She sits at the door of her house; she takes a seat on the highest places of the town, calling to those who pass by, who are going straight on their way, “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” And to him who lacks sense she says, “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.     (Proverbs 9:13-18)

His voice is loud and tempting. He knows how to call my name and push my buttons. He is an advertising and marketing genius. Lucifer, through the foolish woman, promises me hedonistic pleasure with absolute confidentiality — “bread eaten in secret.” Yes, all that happens in Lucifer’s house stays in Lucifer’s house. He delivers to me glittering promises of the fast, furious, and fantastic life, however they are empty promises. Many the man has checked into Satan’s fun house, but they have all walked away despairing, damaged, and destroyed.

So, what shall I do today? Whose call will I heed? My spirit pulls me one way. My flesh pulls me another.

I hear him clearly. Lucifer is promising me satisfaction through the worship of money, ill-gotten gain, immoderate usage of food and drink, pornography or adultery, self-worshiping boastfulness, stingy hoarding, mind-numbing media usage, vindictive responses to those who have done me wrong, and a host of other “Turkish Delights.” He is relentless in his temptations. How badly he wants my business!

“Hark, the voice of Jesus is calling.”  “Softly and tenderly, Jesus is calling.”  He calls me through his Spirit. He calls me through his Word. He calls me through my historical heroes. He calls me through their books and writings. He calls me through my mentors and role-models. He calls me through my friends. He calls me through Christian songs on the radio. He calls me through my church family and elders. He too makes promises — glorious promises — but they are wonderfully kept every time. He is the one who improves. He is the one who satisfies.

Oh, what shall I do now? Whose call shall I heed today? Whose invitation will hold sway?

I know; I will be the simple man who fears the Lord. Today, I will be the simple man who heeds the call of Christ and turns to enter into his house of wine.