Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK

“Set Your Alarm Clocks!"

“…he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.” – Proverbs 10:5 (NIV)

A college student was preparing for a final in one of his classes. It was an extremely important test and the grade on this test would determine if he were to pass the class or not. After studying for a couple of hours a couple of his friends came by his room encouraging him to get out for a little bit and have some fun. “But I have this big test tomorrow!” he said. “So do we,” his friends responded back. “…you’ll have time to study. We won’t be gone long.” So he set down his books and went with his friends for what he thought would be a just short time. Three hours later he walked back into his room. He was now tired and the thought of spending even an hour more studying just was more than he could handle. He lay down on his bed and before going to sleep, breathed a prayer: “Lord, please get me up early so I can study before my test.” And with that, fell fast asleep.
The next thing he knew it was 9:25 a.m., and his class was at 8:30. Not only did he not get up in time to study, he missed his test entirely! Angry, disappointed, he looked up to heaven and asked, “Lord, why didn’t you wake me up? I missed my test and now I won’t pass the class!” To that the Lord calmly and lovingly responded, “Son, why didn’t you use the alarm clock I had made for you?”
I don’t know if you have been keeping track or not, but it appears Solomon has been working on another one of his theme’s here—and it comes down to this: Being a morally responsible person. In his commentary on the book of Proverbs, Stephen Lennox writes regarding this verse:

“The theme of diligent labor continues, but with a slight shift in focus. Here the contrast is not only between the lazy and diligent, but between the one who knows when to work and the one who does not. Further, while Proverbs 10:4 spoke of the financial effects of laziness and diligence, 10:5 addresses the moral effects: wise or disgraceful. The relationship between God’s blessings and human brought out in one verse. Diligent labor is a by-product of wisdom which flows from a fear of God.” (Proverbs: A Bible Commentary in the Weslyan Tradition)

As I often noted, the Apostle Paul (once again) is not silent in this matter. Look at these words to Christians in the city of Thessalonica: “For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." (2nd Thessalonians 3:10) Paul made it a practice that wherever he went he made certain to take care of his needs by working. He was rewarded by having his needs provided. We are told that the Philippian church sent him a love offering at some point…when he was in of all places…Thessalonica! Because he was not afraid to do some work he was able to write the following: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:12)
What a great reminder of where our real blessings come from and why! Solomon, in his wisdom has shown us in these past several verses that God responds to those who are willing to work for Him and with Him! What more incentive do we need? There are too many people “sleeping through” life and not near enough helping with the harvest! It’s time to wake up! It’s time get in the fields and do some work for the Kingdom! That is where you will find God’s blessings.
And the best part…you don’t have to study for a test. Life is the test!
Pastor J. T. Carnell