Live long and prosper

The Vine Baptist Church StaffFeatured

“Live long and prosper”.

StarTrek fans will quickly associate these words with Doctor Spock. However, it’s origins are actually quite real and quite ancient. Consider these words from Moses,

“Stay on the path that the LORD your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about to enter and occupy.”  (Deuteronomy 5:33 NLT)

The promised blessing, is associated with a command. The path that God commanded the Israelites to follow of course, was the instruction of the law. There was no greater source of wisdom than this. The ways of God, always reflect the wisdom of God. In fact, here’s what Moses had to say about it,

“And now Israel, listen carefully to these decrees and regulations… Obey them so that you may live, so you may enter and occupy the land that the LORD, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. Do not add to or subtract from these commands I am giving you. Just obey…” (Deut 4:1-2, NLT)

“Obey them completely, and you will display your wisdom and intelligence among the surrounding nations. When they hear all these decrees, they will exclaim, ‘How wise and prudent are the people of this great nation!’ For what great nation has a god as near to them as the LORD our God is near to us whenever we call on him? And what great nation has decrees and regulations as righteous and fair as this body of instructions that I am giving you today.” (Deut 4:6-8, NLT)

There is blessing for those who heed the wisdom of God. In fact, God has even gone so far as to now write this wisdom on the hearts of all who are in relationship with him,

“”This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” (Jeremiah 31:33, NIV)

How can you know it though? When are you listening to the wisdom of God and not the wistful longings of self?

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17, NIV)

Is it pure? Is there a peaceful motivation, considerate of others and appropriately submissive? Is it overflowing with mercy and goodness? Is it impartial and absolutely sincere?

That kind of wisdom still carries the promise of blessing!