Proverbs 4:16 “for they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong; they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble”
He came to my door close to midnight, distressed and probably a bit the worse for wear for drink. He told me that some guys had attacked his mum and she had a reconstructing wire put in her jaw where they had hit her, and he knew where they lived. He asked me to go with him when he went to speak with them. I was sixteen years old, easily influenced, and struggled to say “no”.
So off we went, in a taxi, together. I did not really want to be there, but I did not have the strength of character to say the “no” to my friend that was needed.
We arrived at the destination, on the outskirts of the city, at a group of high rise apartments, what today we may label as a socially and economically deprived area. The ground floor entrance was grubby, litter-strewn and smelled faintly of urine. It was probably around 11 pm, so anyone who was around was either moving quietly and cautiously or was a danger to others.
It may sound like a cliché, but none of the elevators worked so we set off up the tight half-lit stairwell, fifteen floors to go.
On the way up my friend paused and turned to me, and then told me this was his step-father and step-brother we were visiting. Oh boy, that was my moment to say I needed to not be there. I knew this was not good and I should quit now. But I was too scared and proud to either let my friend down or more likely to appear weak.
We went to the door, a huge fight ensued. I was on the fringe. I was by far, more a witness than a participant.
The police came and an ambulance, I heard them in the distance, the fight was over. Neighbours came out. The outcome was complicated and long drawn out.
Family fights can be really awful and can escalate very quickly and become intense and vindictive. I learned that night that sometimes a strong “no” is critical.
KNOWLEDGE
This scripture is describing people who are wholly driven to their own service. There is an unending, never satisfied, always-on, aspect to their existence. Believing more is the answer, they pursue this goal which is all they have, regardless of consequences to others.
In fact, this scripture indicates that there is a deliberate and intentional need to cause others damage on the way. Unless they can cause harm to others there is no sense of satisfaction. They are, to coin a phrase, “hell-bent” on hurting others.
What a place to live, consumed by fear, anxiety, anger, mistrust, jealousy, envy, and pain. This truly is a picture of “Vanity Fair” – the promise of the bright lights, fame, fortune, notoriety, and glamour, accompanied by the emptiness of a cold grave. What a desperate situation for a human being, made in the image of God, to find themselves in, twisted out of the true image by their own lusts and the attacks of their mortal enemy, satan. Souls that are lost, lonely, lame and listless.
Our hearts are moved by their plight, their shallow experience of life, and the thought of their final destination. We will not be drawn into their world, but we will not abandon them either – but will always leave the doors of prayer, and kindness open for them, with the hope that they can encounter the love of God.
UNDERSTANDING
Let’s pick one word from this verse to look closer at and see if that can help us gain a deeper insight into how God would love us to live?
“wrong” in Hebrew is pronounced “merea’ ” and appears 76 times in the Old Testament. In the ESV this word is translated into English as, wickedly; worse; harm; badly; evil; displeased; ill; grudgingly; treated harshly; calamity; hurting; shatters; break; hurt; afflicted; destroyed; consumed, disaster; wrong; and, evildoers. Webster’s dictionary translates it as “nuisance”.
WISDOM: what does your life’s pursuit look like to others – who will you ask for feedback?
STRENGTHS THOUGHT: Belief and Adaptability together know how to make room for others, and well as how to hand over well while staying true to core values.
Allan’s Unauthorised Version – [they cannot be still, inside or out unless they have willingly been evil. They are orphaned from rest and torn away from sleep unless they have caused another to stagger, and fall to ruin.]
PRAYER: Father, thank you for today. Please help me recognise the people you have put into my life and to navigate well those who are out to hurt me and my family. Thank you.
I so love feedback – please do scroll down and use a few moments to bless me?
We all know these people, who either by their words or by their actions are driven by anger, malice, greed etc…. and seem consumed by revenge, resentment and bitterness. However, as you say Allan., they are created in the image of God and loved by their creator. And we as Christians are called to love them as Jesus does. You challenge us with these words…..
‘We will not be drawn into their world, but we will not abandon them either – but will always leave the doors of prayer, and kindness open for them, with the hope that they can encounter the love of God’
Imagine a world where this is indeed the case, where we are all obedient to this call and each and every person would encounter the love of God. I am challenged today to ensure that every person I encounter would indeed encounter the love of God.
Reading your story about your friend is so true especially at an age like that where you want to say no but you can’t.
We will not be drawn into their world, but we will not abandon them either – so good it’s always best to leave that door open for them.
Your strength thought is so encouraging staying true to core values.
Thanks for encouraging Ps Allan.
Thank you Pastor Allan .
I totally agree with Anne and what she quoted really resonated with me. My mum is a fine example of living in the grace zone but having healthy boundaries. Let’s keep praying for people like this as God loves them and it breaks his heart. “Break my heart for what breaks Yours dear Lord.” Amen
Allan a befitting story to support this verse. What a scenario to have experienced . Is definitely a prayer of mine as a mother that my children would beware . That deliberate need to damage others is birthed out of pain so many times we see and Therefore it is always a need for us a believers to pray for that person to know Jesus who loves them.
Really tho ugh this provoking when you speak of their plight in life . Thank you
Right people
Right place
Right time
Always
Thanks Pastor Allan!
I call myself so blessed that I am a sinner saved by grace! Sadly we see many people with these tendencies of hate greed anxiety & evil intents. I can only feel pity for these since I wonder what circumstances have they been subjected to to bring them to this place in their lives of needing to do such harm to others. Jesus was always for the broken & outcast soul & though He didn’t participate in their way of life He saw behind it all to a human being created in the image of God & so worthy of love & salvation. He is our example! Amazing Grace is such a powerful reminder that we have all been wretches saved by His grace & shown the way out of a world filled with wickedness & evil. So as we encounter or see such deceived people we can extend our hand of kindness & show the love of God who is within us by praying & showing respect towards them even though we do not agree with their actions.
I feel for your friend, what a sad and difficult situation for him. You were so young also to be in that position and have a decision like that to make.
Your wisdom thought is a great thought. Especially, who will you ask for feedback?
I think it is really important who we allow to speak into our life and sharpen us.
Great question!
Thank you pastor I enjoyed reading it
Hi ps Allan ; thx u for God words; u know everyday since I joined I learning something.
Thx u
God bless
We come across many people who are relentless in their quest for violence— a sadistic kind of hunger to inflict pain on others. We are not to be drawn into their world, but we cannot abandon them. Jesus never abandoned anyone who needed Him.
Thank you for this strong message, Pastor Allan.
Words of wisdom, Thank you for the insight. These prayers/devotions have been a great help for my everyday.
It’s truly beautiful to always pray for those people who intend to harm you and to show love and kindness to them that they will one-day encounter the true love of God and be transformed.
Oh but for JESUS Allan. All this strife and discord hurts my heart because it just doesn’t need to be this way.