Butter Churns and Nose Bleeds

Proverbs 30:33
Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.

Wow, what a combination that the Lord has given us this morning. In one sentence of scripture we have gone from churning milk to make butter unto busting nose and it bleeding. If I was to close my eyes I would have thought that my dad wrote this scripture. I always pick at him because of his train of thought. We could be talking about building a home one minute to catching crappie the next. Sometimes it could go from talking about a television show to talking about the Word of God. But somehow, sometimes, it all seems to come together.

What if the Lord was to leave out the last part of our scripture? We would miss the whole point. We would understand that churning milk brings butter and that a busted nose will bleed, but miss out on what God is really saying. He is doing something for us that I absolutely love. He is taking an earthly, physical illustration and giving us sound doctrine. We all understand the process of butter and busted noses. He chose these illustrations to give us the truth about stirring up strife.

What is strife? Strife is angry or bitter disagreement over an issue. What is wrath? Wrath is defined as extreme anger. Being angry is not sinful. The Bible declares that we should be angry and sin not. Wrath is a continual dwelling on anger and what others may have done unto you. Wrath is anger to the point of revenge. Our scripture tells us that forcing wrath, or revenge, brings forth strife. I know some who are so bitter in their life and you can see it in their bitter churning. Wanting others to pay for what was done to them. Can you imagine the scene at the cross of Calvary if Jesus wanted revenge on those who mocked, slapped, spit, and crucified Him? I'm glad the scene at the cross was one of Grace. They stirred up the milk and busted the nose of Jesus but yet He said, "Father, Forgive them for they know not what they do".

Put away the butter churn and open up your fists. Don't force wrath or revenge, but find forgiveness. You may just find out that your not so exhausted anymore from all the churning and swinging.