The Blessing of Keeping God’s Commandments

Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, associate pastor and headmaster at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Proverbs 3:1-20.

The LORD promises blessings to those who receive and keep His commandments. When our lives are normed by the LORD’s will in His Word, He promises His temporal blessings. This is true even as we recognize the incompleteness in this life due to our own sin, leading us to long for the final fulfillment in the resurrection of the dead. The LORD’s loving-kindness is our true wealth which brings us His grace and favor. For this reason, we trust in Him and His Word instead of our own understanding. Such humility leads us toward the LORD and away from evil, bringing us peace and rest. Our offerings are a matter of worship of the LORD, who promises to provide more than we need in this life, including the discipline necessary to keep us as His children. The one who holds onto this precious wisdom from the LORD is blessed, for this wisdom is true wealth. By this wisdom, the LORD created all things, a clear reference to the role that the Son of God played in creation.

“Wisdom and Instruction” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Proverbs. Although Proverbs is perhaps best known for its short sayings full of practical advice, the one true God has so much more in this book of wisdom. True wisdom begins with the fear of the LORD. Christians walk His way of righteousness rather than the way of wickedness because we trust that all good gifts come to us through His Son Jesus Christ, who is His wisdom made flesh for our salvation.