The lesser-known part of Proverbs 31

Today: Proverbs 30-31

Proverbs 31 contains perhaps one of the most talked-about passages in the Bible, particularly at womens' conferences (though I think there are now books and messages about "The Proverbs 31 Man," too!). This famous part of the chapter describes characteristics of a good wife (if you want to read my thoughts about it, check out this old blog post called "The Prov. 31 Woman: Mother Teresa Meets Ivanka Trump?").

I'm not going to write more about that part of the chapter today. Instead, I thought it would be interesting to think and write about the part of Proverbs 31 that precedes it. It's a section labeled "Speak out for Justice." This section records advice given to a man (King Lemuel, to be exact). His mother warned him not go after women who are gold-diggers or promiscuous. She also encouraged him not to get drunk and to stay level-headed. Her key advice for her son the king?

"Speak up for the people who have no voice,

for the rights of all the down-and-outers.

Speak out for justice!

Stand up for the poor and destitute!"

I love this. I love that it encourages leaders to use their voices, power and hands to help those in need. Another thing I find interesting? These are instructions directed to a man (though I think they really apply to anyone). I find that interesting because today, compassion-oriented causes are often driven by female volunteers and leaders. I'm not saying that female leadership is bad or that male leadership is better. But I do wish more men realized that "compassion" causes aren't just women's causes. When we work together--as men and women, as teens and Baby Boomers, as couples and singles--the better we can serve the people who need help from all of us. If you're breathing and you've got a voice (or a laptop or a pen and paper or some influence), use it!

Tomorrow: Ecclesiastes 1-4

Gone fishin'

Today: John 19-21

I don't know what it is about fishing, but some people absolutely LOVE it. They find it relaxing. Satisfying. Peaceful.

For others, fishing is work. It can be boring. It can take hours. Sometimes there are no results. Fishing can even be dangerous. (My Dad sometimes watches a show called "Deadliest Catch" that illustrates that point pretty well!)

But even though it may be dull or dangerous, real fishermen (and women) can't imagine NOT fishing.

Fishing is discussed in the Gospels quite a bit. When Jesus first met some of His disciples, they were fishing--some of them earned a living that way and left their jobs to follow Him.

Today I noticed that the last time Jesus saw some of the disciples (after His resurrection), they were fishing again.

Does that seem significant to anyone else?

As a writer, when I see the repetition of a similar situation in a story or movie (think the little girl in red in "Schindler's List" or the color red in "The Sixth Sense"), it usually means something. In this case, I had a few interesting observations about the meaning of this fishing scenes, some of which are explicitly shown in the text.

• When Jesus first meets the disciples fishing, He calls them to follow Him. When He sees them fishing after the resurrection, He's calling them again...to lead.
  
• The first time Jesus calls the disciples, they leave their work and their jobs as fishermen. I have no idea what that meant to their family budgets, but I'm guessing it wasn't easy. In contrast, when Jesus sees the disciples fishing after His resurrection, He performs a miracle and helps them obtain 153 big fish--probably a nice boost to their incomes. I love this because it shows how God takes care of (even the practical) the needs of His people.
  
• When Jesus first met the disciples, He basically asked them to stop fishing. In this second example, He instructs them to start fishing...for men (people).

I think fishing for people may be like fishing for...well, fish.

Sometimes, it's very rewarding--you realize that you played a part in helping someone know God or His love. You make a difference in a life and another person is changed forever.

Other times, it's exhausting. You may listen, love, encourage or serve someone else without ever seeing the results or benefiting yourself.

And I won't beat around the bush...sharing love and God with people can be dangerous. Some have literally died doing it and others have been devastatingly hurt (physically and/or emotionally).

But can you imagine NOT fishing for people? Not loving people? Not a chance.

Tomorrow: Acts 1-3