ThursdayReflection
7th September 2023
JUDY MCEACHRAN asks
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Why Are We Told the Righteous Fall Seven Times?
Whether the "righteous fall seven times" or as a figurative meaning representing many times, the promise is true, "they will rise again."
With God's care, the upright perseveres through hard times, knowing God's plan is for good, and if it's not good yet, it's in process.
There are many benefits to being a child of God. One of them is God's care from the attacks of the wicked.
Let's dig a little deeper into the promise and the warning of Proverbs 24:16,
"For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes."
God's Word is full of promises to those who love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.
David left his son, Solomon, the example and training of God's faithfulness and keeping power.
Being righteous is a term in Scripture that shows right standing, having received the forgiveness of sin, and living in obedience to God's commands.
It doesn't mean the righteous are perfect but blameless before God.
Until Jesus returns, the righteous will face difficulties, especially from the "wicked." Jesus said,
"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world"
The word "fall," "though the righteous fall," is not a reference to sin, but rather an indication of a calamity or adversity of the righteous and refers back to the warning to the wicked in verse 15,
"Do not lurk like a thief near the house of the righteous, do not plunder their dwelling place."
Hard times may result in a fall, yet are opportunities to strengthen faith. James wrote to those facing trials of all kinds.
"Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (1:4).
In times of adversity, the character of Jesus is developed in the righteous when they trust in God's timing and solution.
The promise is true, "they will rise again." With God's care, the upright perseveres through hard times, knowing God's plan is for good, and if it's not good yet, it's in process.
Nothing can come to us except what He allows.
And God allows things for our good, our maturity, and our faith strengthened through adversity.
Trusting His timing and justice is challenging but brings an outcome that will help us "rise again" from the rubble.
The earth is the Lord's, and the promise of living for Him helps us persevere in the hardest times.
The righteous will rise again, not only through calamities brought by the wicked but in the last days, we will rise to heaven where no evil can harm.
Our eternal rising again will be safe from wicked thieves.
"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also".
Although the world is controlled by the wicked, there will be a day when God sets everything right. The wicked won't be saved from stumbling and falling.
Unlike the righteous, God will judge them, not to rise again but to bow before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords before departing to their last fall, eternal destruction.
We may fall prey to the wicked when trials come, but God promises to uphold the righteous, "though they fall seven times, they will rise again!"
God's blessings and divine care for the righteous who keep his commands and love him are the rewards of the wise.
Judy McEachran
loves to worship the Author of life and love.
She is an ordained pastor and gifted musician who writes and speaks to encourage believers.
She pastored churches in the Midwest and after retirement moved to Arizona. She is humbled not only by the gracious love of God but by her devoted husband, two sons, and ten grandchildren. You can visit her website at God Secrets that Impart Life. Find her music on YouTube. Judy's natural musical giftings invite worshippers into the presence of the Lord.
