God’s plans change hearts
We have been examining the wisdom of Proverbs and advice to the cunning. An evil man or woman has two choices: continue in cunning evil or turn to the wisdom of the Lord. One such repentant man was Simon the magician. Several men and women never turn back to the Lord. The fool believes that God will not have advice for our own good and an evil person remains adamant in their evil.
Proverbs 3:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding. – Pro 3:5
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
7 Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones.
- What makes a difference in the heart of a cunning man or woman set on a path of evil?
- Is craftiness and cunning limited to plans of evil?
In Egypt a powerful man once rejected by his family and sold as a slave confronted these same brothers when unwittingly they had no more cunning plans to supplant his favor in their family and with God. Joseph revealed the intentions of God to his brothers.
The other sons of Israel (Jacob) had used cunning deceit in perpetuating the lie of Joseph’s death. Now after knowing both Joseph’s identity and power, the devise another cunning lie to save themselves from the potential retaliation of Joseph after Jacob’s death.
Genesis 50:
16 So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father gave this command before he died: 17 ‘Say to Joseph, “Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.”
What to we see here?
Both fear of Joseph on their part and contrition; not only fulfillment of a dream Joseph had told them in Canaan, but true acceptance of their youngest brother as their leader. Repentance, finally.
And Joseph, servant of the Lord, reveals the same heart of the Lord that gave him such cunning dreams of greatness in his early years.
19 But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?
Gen 50:20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
21 So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
A Cunning Turn from Self to the Lord
Ahab and Jezebel and Jehoshaphat all meant evil against Elijah. They used every bit of cunning to do evil against the Lord. Unlike Joseph’s brothers, they never did repent.
The Lord has used many cunning sinners as great evangelists of the Word once they repented. Saul of Tarsus, who cunningly persecuted followers of Jesus stood at the feet of the stoning of Stephen. He repented and turned to the Lord, preaching Christ crucified and risen to his fellow jews and championing the Way to the Gentiles.
9 But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” 11 And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic.
We’ve seen the great teachers built up in the slight-of-hand powerful ministry for God. (We don’t really hear much about Jesus other than how He will make us great and powerful and rich and healed.. and all for just sending in your donation or giving a large blessing to the magic of his ministry here in this bright megachurch.
An egotistical preacher meets a Spirit-filled Apostle
12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.
What’s different here? A once-renowned magician-preacher repented and turned back to the Lord Christ in humility. When a leader is no longer ashamed to have a cross in his church, he can become a follower dependent on the Lord Jesus Christ.
Is that you?
How cunning are you, dear friend? What is the Lord’s intention for you? Do you suppose your cunning you intended for evil could now be turned by the Lord for good?
It’s not such a tough choice.
It would take a fool, not one so wise as you, to choose hell for eternity over the blessings of God in Christ Jesus forever.
Proverbs 3:
33 The Lord‘s curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
34 Toward the scorners he is scornful,
but to the humble he gives favor.
35 The wise will inherit honor,
but fools get disgrace.
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