Pastor Bill Farrow

✧✧✧

     Thanks to technology, we see the joy and celebrations of life that occur all over the world, but we also see the heartbreak and despair—most recently during the 2022 war in Ukraine. Cities were demolished; thousands were killed; millions fled for safety. And we see the images daily. It is easy to be discouraged and disheartened by such events. Such struggles threaten to tear us loose from our moorings in God whom we know to be good and just.
 
Recommended Reading:

• Romans 5: 3 – 5

     But we have an anchor that keeps us in place regardless of how strongly the winds of trouble blow: hope. This is not “I hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow” hope. Rather, it is “an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast” (Hebrews 6:19). It is a better hope than any other, brought through Christ (Hebrews 7:19), offered to all (Hebrews 6:18), based on God’s faithfulness (Hebrews 10:23), and mediated by the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

     ​As disheartening as life can be at times, hope never disappoints (Romans 5:5). In this ever-changing world, let your hope remain fixed on the never-changing God.

     [Hope] is an anchor that is cast upon the rock, the Rock of ages.                                                                                         Matthew Henry

     As with many Proverbs, Solomon sets this one up with a very general application at the beginning.  “Anyone” who meets the condition that he lays out will reap the benefit he describes.  “Keep” speaks of the act of guarding, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.).  It is obviously to be seen here it the farming (or private gardening) context.  We ask the question “keeps” what?  Seems clear that solomon’s intention is to tell us that the one who tends properly and fully to the fig tree will reap the pleasure of good and tasty fruit; as the purpose of the tree is to begin with.  It seems sure that this would be an obvious conclusion to draw, to see when one would think about the matter.
     “So” means that this second phrase is to be seen as speaking in the same generalized fashion.  In the same fashion as attention to the gardening necessities of the Fig Tree yields wonderful fruit; so also the servants’ “waiting” on his Master will yield his (the servants’) being honored.  “Waiting” speaks of the act of hedging about (as with thorns), i.e. namely guarding; generally speaking of the act of protecting, attending to, etc.  In a non-literal sense it can speak of being circumspect, taking heed (to self), keeping yourself), preserving to an end.
     Solomon’s point seems to be that the servant pays due and careful attention to his Master reaps honor due such attention from that Master.
 
Interpretation. - The fig tree in Judaea is so abundant, that for its fruit to fail was a severe judgment (Joel 1:6, 7; Hab. 3:17). The diligent husbandman would have his reward in being partaker of its fruits (2 Tim. 2:6). Even so, the faithful servant who “guards or observes” his master, shall reap the fruits of his diligence in honor, confidence, reward, advancement - probably, if a slave, in his liberation. And this applies to the service of the heavenly even more than of an earthly master.
 
Illustrations.

• Eliezer, Deborah, Joseph, the steward, the nurse, the slave, all attained to honor through faithful service (Gen. 24:12–15, 45, 50; 35:8; 37; 39; 41).
• Elisha, who had persevered in watchful attendance on his master, was rewarded by a double portion of his spirit.
• The centurion’s servant, and the devout soldier who waited on Cornelius continually, had each his reward in the attachment and good offices of those they served (Luke 7:2, 8; Acts 10:7, 24, 48).
• Luke (whose day is sometimes kept in the various sides of the church) became St. Paul’s loving and beloved attendant even to the end of his afflictions (2 Tim. 4:11), and, in return, profited by his art of healing souls, derived from him aid in his immortal book as an Evangelist, had the privilege of constant communion with his spirit, and was honored in his own lifetime, as now, by his praise being in the Gospel, and by becoming (whether a slave or not) “the Lord’s free man” (1 Cor. 7:22).

 
Application. - Never let the humblest service be despised, for, if faithfully rendered, it shall have its reward, if not at the hands of man, yet of God. A good master will thoroughly appreciate and not forget to acknowledge the trusty watchful care of an attached servant. He will employ him confidentially, increase his wages, advance him to honor. Or if some earthly masters are strangely neglectful of what is due to their servants, not so the Master Christians delight to serve. Himself a pattern servant (of His own free will) to His Father, “faithful to Him that appointed Him” (Heb. 3:2), and therefore “highly exalted” (Phil. 2:9), there is no duty rendered Him on our part which He sees not, acknowledges not, crowns not. He demands no work but what is due; sends no one a warfare on his own charges; is large in His promises; smiles upon active fidelity. The most ordinary calling is a service to Him, however mean. The common task of daily life done “as unto the Lord” is the best proof of our love. From Him will our fruits be found (Hos. 14:8).