September 17, 2017 (Proverbs 29:27)

An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, and he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked” (Prov 29:27).  To complete our examination of this proverb, it is important to note that those upright in the way are an abomination to the wicked. The way here is a term found in the NT, described as the Way referring to those walking in the footsteps of their Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Not only do the righteous experience what is a palpable reaction to the unjust, but the unjust likewise often react in a manner which may seem unusual to believers. One finds a ready explanation for encountering reactions of a negative or adverse nature when having a life consecrated to the lordship of Christ. It is seen, for example, in the very first chapter of Mark’s gospel. A man in the synagogue had an unclean spirit and cried out, “Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are — the Holy One of God!” (Mark 1:24). It should be noted that this took place long before any of the disciples had the slightest intuition Jesus of Nazareth was the incarnate Son of God. In the same manner today, those whose lives are under the influence of demonic spirits will react at times to the presence of the Spirit of Christ in a believer in what appears extremely inappropriate ways.  The non-believer will not have any awareness as to what is causing an inner repulsion within. When I came to the Lord at age 50 and was baptized with the Holy Spirit four years later, fellow physicians with whom I’d always had cordial relationships at times would do everything imaginable to avoid being in my presence. At first it was most disconcerting until I came to appreciate the conflict was not one based on flesh and blood issues but spiritual in nature. It is important for believers to be aware of this in order to avoid taking offense at what seems to  be unjustified rejection and reacting with anything other than love and compassion when rejected.