Small Can be Powerful in the Kingdom of God.
Did you know that small can be powerful in the kingdom of God? Janis Cox opens up Proverbs 30 and shows how four small creatures can be examples for those of us who are followers of Christ.
Small Can Be Powerful
As I finished a Facebook 31 day Study of Proverbs I have been amazed over the depth of each verse. I use study notes, cross-references and google on the computer to understand as much as I can.
One day I read Proverbs 30:24-38. Here are a few things I found out.
Although most Proverbs are attributed to Solomon Proverb 30 is different. It starts by saying:
The sayings of Agur, son of Jaken, an oracle –
We don’t know the background of Agur but it can be assumed he was a wiseman or prophet. Taking at look at verse 24, it says:
4 things on earth are small yet they are extremely wise”
The Ant
That intrigued me right away – what small things would the writer choose. First – the ant. Well I had heard that before.
“Ants are creatures of little strength, yet, they store up their food in the summer.”
Aha, planning ahead – that seems wise. Proverbs 6:6-8 tells us this about the ant.
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!
It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.”
An ant is a hard worker and that’s important in this life. As I learned through reading Proverbs 28:19,
Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.
We need to work instead of dream without action.
The Coney
Next comes an animal called a coney or hydrax. This was a new one to me. Back to my computer to google more information.
hyraxes are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags;
I found out that coneys, or hydraxes are found along the foot of the mountains west of the Dead Sea. They are small like mice. They live in the clefts of rocks, which gives great security. They also are very swift and that makes them very hard to catch. They have sentries set up to warn the others of intruders. This wise conduct brings them safety and security. This tells me that as feeble people we need to rely on our Rock – Jesus, for our security. He keeps us safe under His wings when we seek protection.
The Locust
Then come the locusts.
locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks;
I had heard of these deadly pests. Although very small they band together, with great order and great power to ravage the land. We read in Joel 2 the devastation that can occur with a locust infestation. Listen to verse 5.
With a noise like that of chariots
they leap over the mountaintops,
like a crackling fire consuming stubble,
like a mighty army drawn up for battle.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if God’s army could work like that. Small feeble people who could work together for the glory of God.
The Lizard
Finally the 4th small thing – the lizard.
a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces.
Most commentaries that I read say the lizard is a gecko. Since we spend some time in Arizona during the winter, I am familiar with these little guys. They can run up walls and even thought they can be easily caught they have the ability to get through small crevices and into the homes of the rich and the poor. They also are useful in catching flies and other bugs. So the lizard is bold and doesn’t matter where he lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion I learned much from this little verse. Be hard working like the ant. Like the coney seek God my rock for protection. Work together with other Christians like locusts building an army for God and spread the Gospel throughout the world. And lastly be bold like the lizard and enter all the households to speak the name of Jesus. Without doubt, small can be powerful in the kingdom of God!
A Prayer
May I pray for you and me,
Father God, thank You for Your Word and how much one little verse can teach us. Help us to make studying Your Word a priority in our day. Teach us how to read and understand what You want us to know. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.
Can you share a story of a time you shared your faith? We would love to hear from you. Comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.
Janis Cox
In 2001, Janis gave her life to Christ. She started journalling as a way to organize her thoughts, feelings, and prayers. She is a member of two cross-Canada Christian writers’ groups, The Word Guild and Inscribe Christian Writers Fellowship. She has had several articles and devotionals published.
Janis has been blogging since 2008. In 2012 she published an award-winning children’s book Tadeo Turtle. She ran a group blog called Under the Cover of Prayer for four years. Hope Stream Radio will be her first foray into broadcasting on a regular basis.
In addition to a career as a home-maker and teacher, Janis was a partner in a Canadian small business with her husband, Wayne. They currently reside in Ontario and winter in Mesa, Arizona. Janis and Wayne have three children with spouses and many grandchildren.
One of her favourite things is to tell others about what God has done and is doing in her life. Janis can be reached on her website, Growing Through God’s Word, on Facebook and Twitter.
More Podcasts:
More Blogs
Book 1 in the Oneness Cycle – A Review
Image Credits:
Ants – francok35
Coney/Hydrax – D.Gordon E. Robertson
Locust – Christels
Gecko – Foto-Rabe
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