The Highest Point

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There is a fine line between faith and presumption. Faith is how we receive everything from God but presumption can get us into trouble. In Numbers 14 after the spies came back from the promised land with an evil report and complained, God said they were going to spend 40 years in the wilderness. Then in Numbers 14:44-45 the people in their presumption decided to try to take the promised land on their own without God. They went up to the highest point in the hill country, but they were beaten down. 

This concept of faith and presumption seems to be linked to the phrase, " the highest point." 

When Jesus was tempted by the Devil (Matthew 4) Satan took him up to the highest point of the temple and asked Jesus to throw himself down in order to test God. 

But true faith doesn't test God, it rests in the promises. Jesus didn't need to test the promise out to see if God would do what he said.

It is also interesting that the phrase, " the highest point," is also found throughout Proverbs relating to Wisdom vs Folly. 

Proverbs 8:1-3 says, Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? At the highest point along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; beside the gate leading into the city,

Proverbs 9:3-6 and 14-18 say...

Wisdom calls from the highest point of the city, “Let all who are simple come to my house! To those who have no sense she says, “Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight.”

Folly sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city, calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way, “Let all who are simple come to my house!” To those who have no sense she says, “Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!” 

Notice wisdom and folly say some very similar things. 

In today's communion we are asking for God's help to know true faith vs presumption. A few indicators I have learned are love and humility. Is the motivation behind what we are doing love for God and people. Because faith works through love. And those who humble themselves will be exalted to the highest point but those who exalt themselves will be humbled.  

I am praying for you. 

Daniel