Preservation Way

“For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: [he is] a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.” (Pr 2:6-8 AV)

That last phrase is quite a promise.  To keep that promise, there are implications.  These implications are found in the context.  Solomon is sharing with his children that the ways of God do not change.  The LORD graciously informs us and teaches us the application of this wisdom.  There are consequences in place for ignoring these absolute principles.  So, when the promise of preservation is given, this does not imply life will be smooth sailing.  Rather, God sends wisdom from above, but that wisdom has to be learned.  In fact, if the promise is true, then it will be learned.  Sometimes the easy way.  Sometimes the hard way.

Note in particular that ‘the way’ is preserved.  Not the saint.  It is the way of his saints.  Whether we continue in the way all the time is up to us.  It is suggested that they are one and the same.  To a larger extent, they are.  The bible teaches God’s sovereignty.  Yet it clearly teaches the ability of man to choose and act.  The way of the saints is steadfast and unchanging.  God keeps the paths of judgement that make up the way.  Within that way, God has given the ability for the saint to exercise self-determination.  There are rules that govern every choice the saint will make.  These rules do not bend.  They do not relax.  They are certain.  It reminds me computer games or apps of a certain genre.  When I was a teenager, Myst was all the rage.  It was the first of a kind.  Since then, all sorts have appeared.  The point is to follow clues to meet an objective.  There were clues that pointed directly to the solution.  There were also clues of secondary importance that would eventually lead the player to the solution.  Then there were clues that had nothing to do with the solution, and the player wasted time and resources in chasing them down.  The solution was always the same.  Regardless of individual path or choices the player selected, eventually he would reach the end of the game and find the exit.

When the LORD promises to preserve the way of the saints, it is the way unto glorification.  We can walk this path in different ways.  The more committed we are to Christlikeness, the straighter the way and quicker the journey.  However, if we stray from the direct route to Christlikeness, circumstances of our choices will press us back on the way.  Our life’s journey will depend on how quickly we desire Christlikeness.  The good news is that when we are received into the kingdom of heaven, we are transformed immediately into the likeness of Christ.  We must not misunderstand the promise above.  God is not promising to preserve the saint with a perfect life regardless of his or her choices.  Sometimes the life of a saint ends in tragedy because he or she does not follow the LORD.  That which God does promise is that the means to godliness will not change, cannot be altered, and are free from adversarial assault.  God will do everything to keep us on the straight and narrow so we can enjoy the blessings of Christlikeness in this life.  Praise the LORD for this promise.  This means He will never stop working on me.  Praise the LORD!