We come to the last of the small creatures- the Lizard.
They are easy to catch and kill, yet are found even in king's palaces!
This is what the Living Bible translation says about the lizards-
They are commonly available but have a royal home.
This is a contradiction of sorts. It is not easy for us to visit the palaces yet the lizards can make their way in. In our country, there are only specified days in the year when we can go to the Rashtrapati Bhavan or the governors’ residence, whereas lizards hang out in our homes and also in the kings' palace.
Why are they wise?
They have an ability to climb stone walls. They have a purpose, regardless who catches them they are found to be in the king's palace.
Many of us aspire to visit palaces and given an opportunity, would like to dwell there. You and I have that opportunity to be in the palace of God
While any can aspire to be in a King’s Palace, there are prerequisites to be visiting or living in a King’s palace.
A few years ago there was an auction of the dresses of the late Princess Diana for a charity. What struck me was the exquisite quality of the dresses. Being royal they are finely clothed.
One also behaves in a manner which is our Sunday best. No loose words and profanities are used.
Let us assume that there two prerequisites to be in the King's Palace
- having the right attire and
- putting on our best behavior.
So if you and I have an ambition to be in the king's palace we need to be appropriately clothed. We have to be dressed according to the dress code given by the King. Lets us look at some of the clothes available for us to adorn.
Righteousness
14 All I did was just and honest, for righteousness was my clothing!
Job 29:14
The Dictionary defines Righteousness as characterized by, proceeding from or in accordance with accepted standards of morality, justice or uprightness; virtuous.
In a world where the order of the day are scams and scandals the verse “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” gives us direction. The consequences of being righteous are definitely positive though the path may be arduous.
16 I will clothe her priests with salvation; her saints shall shout for joy.
Psalms 132:16
10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation; he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, Isaiah 61:10
Salvation or moksha (in Hindi) is what we are looking for as humans and it is an attribute of being wise to be clothed in salvation.
1 Wake up, wake up, Jerusalem
Isaiah 52:1
We usually attempt to do things by ourselves. The perfect way to draw this strength in times of conflict is to whisper a small prayer. This simple act of submission unleashes the divine powers.
Humility
5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 1 Peter 5:5
Many management gurus have been writing on the potency of humility in making an influence. I have noticed that whenever there is an absence of ego the other listens to your facts and views.
Compassion
We are encouraged to clothe ourselves with compassion. |
Now coming to behaviour in front of a King I am not looking at any white book from a palace but lets look at an example. Even the most courageous of us speak softly in front of a policeman. Similarly with a King and in his palace our speech is to be frugal and we listen attentively. Our gestures are measured and respectful. These are all attributes of being wise. |
Our aim is to be in the king's palace and in the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
When we say "…. Thy kingdom come “ let us prepare our selves to be in his kingdom.
Ants are wise because of the preparation they make.
The Conies are wise because of the protection they enjoy.
Locusts are wise because of the partnership they share.
Lizards are wise because of their ability.
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