Parenting by the Book
STUDY 167
Text: Proverbs 16
5 September 2004
Dear Parents,
THE REVELATION OF GOD’S WILL
God revealed His will in many ways to His people. Let us look at some of the ways He normally revealed things:-
1. Through dreams and visions
Selected individuals (usually the prophets) would receive dreams and visions. These would then seek the Lord for further explanations as to what they meant. On full understanding of the dreams and visions, the message(s) of the Lord would then be proclaimed.
2. Through signs and wonders
God would sometimes perform special miracles so as to communicate certain vital messages. Moses would be a good example of one through whom God performed signs and wonders.
3. Direct word
The prophets of God stood in a very privilege position. They would receive special missives from God. These messages revealed His will to His people.
4. Through the casting of lots
We have a mention of this special means of understanding God’s will in the following text.
The lot is cast into the lap,
But its every decision is from the LORD.Proverbs 16:33
a) The casting of lots was entrusted to the priests
b) Unfortunately, the actual practice is not clearly explained to us in the Scriptures
c) The most important thing however, is not the means or the methods of discovering God’s will. The vital point the writer wishes to communicate is the role that God plays. He plays the most important role of all! He is the One who makes all the decisions!
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
We are reminded of a number of important things in today’s text. Let us take heed of two things that may be highlighted.
1. We need to appreciate the revelation of God’s will
2. We need to remember the Lord Himself as the One who gives the all-important word!
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie