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Today's Little Lift

    by Jim Bullington

Do Not Turn (Proverbs 4:27)
Date Posted: March 22, 2022

Generally Do Not Turn signs come only in the edict variety and never the request variety. The Bible, however, contains the phrase Do Not Turn in both varieties; it contains the command not to turn as well as the request not to turn. Our devotional today will take a quick look at both types of biblical phrases.

First we will examine a few commandments that say, Do Not Turn. The Proverbs writer admonished, “Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil.” (Proverbs 4.27). This statement takes for granted that the right way can be known and that those who travel in it have the choice of whether or not they remain on course. Joshua made the very same assumptions when he charged the Israelites, “Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.” (Joshua 1.7). However in this case, Joshua actually specified the way from which they were not to turn, i.e. “all the law which Moses... commanded you.” A small but significant portion of that Law had said, “Do not turn to idols, nor make for yourselves molded gods: I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 19.4). From these brief texts, it becomes apparent that the right way, the way from which we are not to turn, is God's way. It can be understood and we have the ability to choose the direction of our spiritual pathway.

Next we look at some passages which make the request, Do Not Turn. Actually these passages are somewhat different in that they record the sentiments of man as he beseeches God not to turn away from him, or that God not turn man away. David wrote the following: “When You said, 'Seek My face,' My heart said to You, 'Your face, LORD, I will seek.' Do not hide Your face from me; Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation. When my father and my mother forsake me, Then the LORD will take care of me.” (Psalm 27.8-10). Solomon prayed a similar prayer when he pleaded with the LORD, “O LORD God, do not turn away the face of Your Anointed; Remember the mercies of Your servant David.” (2 Chronicles 6.42). In a similar sentiment we read, “For Your servant David’s sake, Do not turn away the face of Your Anointed.” (Psalm132.10).

We will look at one final Do Not Turn passage. During the famed Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.” (Matthew 5.42). This exhortation is different from the other two types in that it is a command that deals with how we are to treat others. As was the case on so many other occasions, Jesus spoke that which seems to go against the grain of our human instincts. Unlike what we frequently do, Jesus commands that we do good to others without regards to their ability to pay us back or return the favor. Somewhat like the title of a 2000 movie, Jesus commands us not to turn such requests away, but to Pay It Forward. The believer's pyramid scheme is not to see how much can return to us, but to see how much we can do for others who will, in turn, do good for many, many more. It is a win-win situation when we Pay It Forward because no matter how others react, the world is a better place, and the name of God is glorified as men see our good works and give honor to the One who made us (see Matthew 5.16).

Sometimes it is best not to turn and at other times it is absolutely prohibited. Only when we listen to God can we discern the difference and glorify Him through our lives!

Questions:

1. What would it mean to turn to the left or right as noted in Proverbs 4.27.?

2. Does God ever turn His face away from people? If yes, under what conditions? Will He ever turn His face away from one who genuinely seeks Him? Why or why not?

3. What does it mean to Pay it Forward? Though these are not Jesus' words, do you see a similar theme between this concept and Jesus' words in Matthew 5.42?

4. Who wins when we follow Jesus' command in Matthew 5.42? Who loses? Explain.

"Point of Reference" from Fred Price

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Biography Information:
Jim Bullington - A Christian writer whose insight into the scriptures is reflected in practical application lessons in every article. The reader will find that the Bible speaks directly to him/her through these articles. God is always exalted and His word is treated with the utmost respect in this column.
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