READING FOR AUGUST 13, 2025: PROVERBS 22, LUKE 7, PSALM 80:1-13                                        PROVERBS 22  Solomon writes that a good name is better than riches. Is that true? How does someone obtain such a name? This writer attended the funeral of Faustine King today, a long-term member of Yorktown Methodist Church. In tribute, Faustine’s granddaughter read these words from Maya Angelou’s poem “When Great Trees Fall:”                                   

Angelou suggests that, after the pain subsides and upon reflection, we can carry on and even grow because of the existence of such a person. This chapter helps us become such people.

Solomon states in verse 2 that one characteristic of such a positive influencer is willingness to identify with the poor. We can also avoid evil entanglements (vs. 3) and seek humility (vs. 4). As parents, we should carefully consider our children’s interests and qualities and guide them in paths that are right for them (vs. 6). Yes, we must teach/model truth and right behavior but not live out our dreams through their lives. One concept that can certainly help our children is advising them against going into debt (vs 7). Even college debt can become a limiting chain for many years and eliminate future options for ministry.  Help them avoid this burden!

Becoming a great tree that impacts others includes living for a bigger purpose, such as working for justice in the community/world (vs. 8) and helping to feed the hungry (vs. 9). It includes not associating with nay sayers (vs. 10), but to have honorable intentions that are expressed graciously (vs. 11). An impactful person will not offer imaginary excuses for not making a difference (vs. 13) but will also avoid situations that can cause a moral failing (vs. 14). This has been the downfall of many in ministry and caused shame for the church. 

We need to keep learning and growing throughout life (vs. 17-18). This is why we are reading the Bible; it will bring us closer to the Lord (vs. 19) and thus more impactful. Solomon closes by reminding us to not to exploit the poor (vs. 22-23) or associate with angry people (vs. 24-25). Don’t get trapped covering someone else’s purchase (vs. 27) or involved in unethical pro- perty deals (vs. 28). Instead focus on being skillful in the work God has given us (vs.29). This will make us impactful in ways that honors God: “Do all things for the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).

LUKE 7 The account of the centurion asking Jesus to heal his servant is one of those famous alleged discrepancies in the Gospels. In Matthew 8:5-13 the centurion meets with Jesus while

Luke 7:1-10 has the centurion first sending Jewish elders to ask, then sending friends to tell

READING FOR AUGUST 13, 2025 CONTINUED: LUKE 7, PSALM 80:1-13                                            Jesus he (the centurion) isn’t worthy to meet Jesus but knows Jesus can heal remotely. Which is it? The answer is likely Qui facit per alium, facit per se (He who acts through another does the act himself). Thus, in this case Luke’s version is more complete and Matthew’s more summarized. The main point of this incident is the centurion’s accurate understanding of Jesus’s total authority and his own relative unworthiness. Jesus was impressed.

No matter our views, aren’t we all moved watching war widows holding the bodies of their dead children in Gaza. In Nain, Jesus was also moved by such a scene. Picture Him noticing the grieving widow, stopping the funeral procession, touching the coffin, and telling the dead son to rise. That’s the same Jesus who bore our sins, died in our place, rose from the grave, and offers us new, eternal, and abundant life. We have experienced His compassion. 

John the Baptist doublechecks to see if Jesus is the promised Messiah. Jesus doesn’t give a straight yes or no but simply quotes two passages from Isaiah (written hundreds of years before). That settles the matter. When we or our church have a serious question, do we look to the Bible as our authority, like Jesus, or do we assume it’s out of date and irrelevant? Jesus goes on to say there’s been no greater man born of woman than John. Then He says the least in the kingdom of God is greater than John. How could both be true?John died before the cross and the Spirit’s outpouring at Pentecost. If we have faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit in- dwells us (Rom. 8:9). The last vignette shows who will join the kingdom. Simeon the Pharisee looked down on a likely prostitute touching Jesus. She, according to Jesus, though possessing many sins, showed saving faith; Simeon’s attitude likely prevented entry into the kingdom.  

PSALM 80:1-13 This is the only Psalm other than the 23^rd to call God a shepherd, in this case Israel’s shepherd. This Psalm is a shoutout for some aggressive shepherding. The prayer begins, like the Lord’s prayer, acknowledging God’s authority, power, and saving capacity—a good model for our prayers. A common question in the Bible is, “How long?" This conveys flagging strength. An uncommon concept, though, is God being angry with the prayers of His people. Consider this famous verse about prayers of Israel: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chron. 7:14). Might God’s anger with Israel’s prayers be because they haven’t humbled themselves nor turned from their wicked ways? In fact, Asaph suggests Israel is currently being disciplined by God. Asaph then recounts God’s past faithfulness before asking God for an explanation for their current suffering. Unlike some who think a loving God never causes pain, Asaph knows God is permitting and utilizing this pain for a purpose he does not yet seem to comprehend. What’s God up to?