Daily Scripture Threshing for Thursday, February 16, 2023
Today’s Text: Psalm 48:1-14
Key Verse: Psalm 48:14 (GNT): “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.”
An African folklore will help us illustrate the importance of reputation. It has it that three friends, namely Fire, Water, and Fame once journeyed together. On their way, they reasoned on how they might possibly meet again in case they lost one another. So, Fire said, "Where you see smoke there you shall find me." Water said, "Where you see marsh, moorish, and low ground, there you shall find me." But Fame said, "Friends, do your very best never to lose me; for, if you do, you will run a great hazard never to meet me again. There’s no known way of retrieving or recovering of me."
In today’s scripture, nothing is better of earth which man may seek is worth pursuing as achieving a good name. The emphasis is clear. We feel fulfilled when we add great wealth and acquire estates. And these are good. They are blessings from the Lord. This text is not disparaging that silver and gold may be cherished. Indeed, nowhere does the Bible condemn prosperity, beauty and ambiance when desired. What this text admonishes is to pay more important attention on whatever happens to our names than jewelrIes. Almost all cultures and religions of the world place great emphasis on virtue and happiness.
In African, careful thoughts is given to how you are received or perceived. The Yorubas say: “Orúko eni ní í jèrìí eni lókèèrè,” meaning, one's reputation is one's witness everywhere. What this implies is that with a good reputation, you don’t have to broadcast your good deeds before your character announces you. The same is true of New Testament discipline of a believer in Christ: our reputation is closely related to godliness. The Word of God is full of many instructions and examples to help us live diligent lives and pay attention to character and reputation.
By this text, God wants our names to be symbol of our frame, fame and essence. Our name must offer glimpses into who we are. To the Hebrews, names generally convey the idea of good reputation. Job 30:8 tells us how senseless and nameless broods are driven off the land. Endeavor to diligently guard your name and character. A good reputation is rather to be chosen than great riches (Ecclesiastes 7:1).
Quote for the Day: “For each level of maturity and for each day, we receive a sufficient or commensurate grace; but soon as a new day dawns for us, God bestows new graces in time.” (Simon Olatunji)
Prayer: Dear Lord, by Your mercy, You brought me thus far, please grant me a new grace for the journey set before me. Help me to walk in the reality of the fullness which I have received in You — in Jesus Christ's name. Amen.
With all my love and prayers,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.
Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)
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[Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide of The House of Prayer Evangel Church USA distributed for free use by individuals, small groups, families, and Christian churches]
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