TRUST IS A MUST

THE CURSE vv5-6

The Curse (v.5)

• "Curse" = to bind (as with a spell), hem in with obstacles, render powerless to resist
• "Man" = geber - a man at the height of his power.
• "trust" - not just intellectual, but emotional too, = "hope"

The Curse (v.5)

• The reason for the curse - 'who makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord'

The Nature of the Curse (v.6)

• like a shrub in the desert - out of place
• shall not see any good - unsatisfied
• shall dwell in parched places/wilderness/uninhabited salt land - hopeless, can't flourish

THE BLESSING vv7-8

The Blessing (v.7)

• "Trust" - LXX always translates into "hope" not "belief". means "relies upon"
• "expresses that sense of well being and security which results from having someone or something in whom to place confidence"

Trust = "relies on"

The Nature of the Blessing (v.8)

• "Like a tree planted by water that sends out its roots by the stream" - in place, able to thrive
• no fear of heat or drought
• secure against circumstances
• hopeful because of ongoing evidence of health and sustenance.
• "You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they can find rest in you" - Augustine of Hippo 4th-5th century AD

Conclusion

• "I have come that you may have life, and have it abundantly" - Jesus
• "Come to me all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest" - Jesus

Rio Rico, Arizona

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