Proverbs 6:1-35
Thursday, 20 June 2024
“Go to the ant, you lazy one, Observe its ways and be wise…” Proverbs 6:6 NASB
God speaks to us in various ways, even through His creation—the animal kingdom is used several times in the Bible to speak to man. Look how He used the ox and the donkey in Isaiah 1 and a rooster in the Gospels. In Proverbs, are several examples and in today’s reading we have the ant teach us lessons. God speaks to the sluggard – the lazy, idle, the careless kind -to gain wisdom from a tiny ant! The Ants, though they may be among the smallest insects on earth, have learned to build colonies and their little “cities” and have survived since the creation by doing the things that come to them by instinct. A close observation of these tiny creatures can help us become better and effective Christians doing the Lord’s work.
· Their Work is a Partnership:- They work in harmony, no fights and each one has a job- neither more or less important. They move in unity which carries power. When the head ant is on the move, other creatures flee their pathway. Their horde can cause entire villages of people move out of their way. Humans and animals stand no chance against these feared little ants when they march in huge numbers.
The power of the early church was embedded in their unity! If the church unites, puts away petty differences and disagreements and stand together in the power of the Holy Spirit, hell would tremble in our presence! Ephesains 4:3 says: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.“ Then the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church.
· Their Work Is Productive:- They have an all-volunteer service. There is no guide yet each ant works. Thousands of ants may dwell in one ant colony, but each has a particular job. The ants labour according to their own ability.
We have guides – The Bible, The Holy Spirit, Pastors, evangelists, teachers, etc.-everything necessary to get the job done for Jesus, but sadly, some refuse to labour! James 4:17[NIV] says “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them”. He will use you according to your ability. God has specially gifted and equipped you for a unique type of work in the body of Christ. The greatest ability is availability! They Work Continually - All Day! No pay, promotion, appreciation--yet they work! Ants never quit and never go on strike! They just work! If you destroy an anthill with your foot; they immediately set about rebuilding it! Bible says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
· Their Work Is Persistent:- Spill a little sugar on the table-top and leave it there. When one ant finds it, it goes back to the colony and brings hundreds with it. What a lesson! We who have tasted and found that the Lord is good need to go back into the world and tell the others about Him. As one rightly said, a believer is merely one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread! We must move from “I can’t” to “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” We are to be motivated by the power of the Holy Spirit.
· They Prepare for The Future:- People prepare for this life- savings, insurance, retirement. What about death? Men believe in life after death, but do nothing about it. People need to be ready and God has made a way! His name is Jesus. John 3:36 says, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.”
Are you ready to stand before God? Time is of essence. If you are putting it off in serving the Lord, the time is now-Pray, preach, witness, make things right with others, engage in the Lord’s work!
“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.” (John 9:4)
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