Proverbs 6 speaks to the evil man. The rude, impudent, vulgar, and savage lout unconcerned with the harm they cause. Verse 12-15 says, “A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth; he winks with his eyes, he shuffles his feet, he points with his fingers; Perversity is in his heart, he devises evil continually, he sows discord. Therefore, his calamity shall come suddenly; Suddenly he shall be broken without remedy.” With all we see being done that has no place in decency, it is hard to keep one’s heart from becoming caught up in anger that does not become entwined with sin. As I watch continuous iniquity and evil plotting it’s sometimes hard to keep my prayers aligned with Him. It is difficult at times to be angry but not sin (Ephesians 4:26).
In 1989, the mini-series Lonesome Dove was adapted flawlessly from the Larry McMurtry novel. It spoke to hopes and dreams not realized. Harsh times. Standing up for right in the midst of troubling times. This is my favorite adaption ever on small or large screen. The characters spring to life. In the midst of evil there is still a code that one of character follows. There is a scene that speaks to much of what I see today in our country. Two ex-Texas Rangers, Capt. Woodrow Call, played by Tommy Lee Jones, and Capt. Gus McCrae, played by Robert Duvall, are getting supplies in a town. Unbeknownst to them, some Cavalry and an evil scout are looking to requisition (steal) horses from their men. Sort of resembles what we see with ICE today. The scout starts to whip the men that won’t give up their horses. As he then starts to whip Newt (played by Ricky Schroeder), Capt. Call walks out of the general store. Newt is special to him. He throws his supplies to the ground, rides his horse at full speed down the main street and runs into the scout, knocking him from his horse. He then proceeds to beat him and would have killed him were it not for Gus lassoing him and pulling him away. In this scene, Gus is like the Holy Spirit reigning Woodrow in. Gus has the gun butt ready to knock sense into Woodrow if he doesn’t recognize Gus in his lust to avenge the evil being perpetrated. When the towns people look at Capt. Call with fear, his only answer is, “I hate rude behavior in a man. I won’t tolerate it.” This may seem harsh and rigid, but what was going through Jesus’ mind when He sat patiently, and meticulously wove together cords into a whip which He then used on those who turned His Father’s house into a den of thieves (John 2)? Unlike us, His mind was not filled with hate. Yet He struck them and turned over a few tables. So hard to not cross that fine line between righteous and unrighteous anger. To actually stand against evil without it infecting us.
Proverbs 6 also speaks to things the Lord hates. “A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.” Yet that seems to have become a prerequisite for meritorious service to so many in our government today. So, as hard as it may be, we must put on the new man. Give no opportunity to the devil. Seek resolution. But have no part in the ways of darkness. Do not compromise with evil. Rude behavior seems to be the order of the day, but not for us. Do not grow weary. Jesus has come and given us understanding to what is true. Hold fast to it. Blessings.
Stand My Watch 