Topical Bible: Man: God: Makes his Beauty Consume Away

◄ Man: God: Makes his Beauty Consume Away ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the concept of God causing the beauty of man to consume away is a theme that underscores the transient nature of human life and the sovereignty of God over creation. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating the frailty of human existence and the ultimate authority of God in determining the fate of mankind.

Biblical References:

1. Psalm 39:11 : "You discipline a man with punishment for iniquity, consuming like a moth what he holds dear; surely each man is but a vapor." This verse highlights the ephemeral nature of human life and possessions. The imagery of a moth consuming what is precious to man serves as a metaphor for the divine judgment that can strip away human beauty and accomplishments, emphasizing the need for humility and reliance on God.

2. Isaiah 40:6-8 : "A voice says, 'Cry out.' And I asked, 'What should I cry out?' 'All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.'" This passage contrasts the fleeting beauty of humanity with the eternal nature of God's word. It serves as a reminder that human glory is temporary and subject to the will of God.

3. Job 4:19-21 : "how much more those who dwell in houses of clay, whose foundations are in the dust, who can be crushed like a moth! Between morning and evening they are broken to pieces; unnoticed, they perish forever. Are not their tent cords pulled up, so that they die without wisdom?" Here, the fragility of human life is depicted through the metaphor of dwelling in "houses of clay." The passage reflects on the ease with which God can bring about the end of human beauty and life, underscoring the need for wisdom and understanding of one's place before God.

Theological Implications:

The theme of God making man's beauty consume away serves as a humbling reminder of human limitations and the need for dependence on divine grace. It calls believers to recognize the temporary nature of earthly beauty and achievements, urging them to seek eternal values and align their lives with God's purposes.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons:

1. Humility: Recognizing that human beauty and accomplishments are fleeting encourages humility. Believers are reminded that their worth is not in external appearances or achievements but in their relationship with God.

2. Dependence on God: The transient nature of human beauty calls for a deeper reliance on God, who is eternal and unchanging. It encourages believers to seek God's wisdom and guidance in all aspects of life.

3. Eternal Perspective: By understanding that human beauty can be consumed away, believers are prompted to focus on eternal values and the imperishable beauty of a life lived in accordance with God's will.

In summary, the biblical theme of God making man's beauty consume away serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of human life and the enduring sovereignty of God. It calls believers to live with humility, dependence on God, and an eternal perspective.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 39:11
When you with rebukes do correct man for iniquity, you make his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Going to the Father
... When we arrive there to behold His beauty, we must have the educated eye; and that
must be ... This is why God makes man's beauty to consume away like the moth. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/the ideal life/going to the father.htm

"For what the Law could not Do, in that it was Weak through the ...
... forth a covenant of reconciliation and peace, to convince man of sin ... to make him
fear; yet then he makes this motion, and mission to us, "God sending," &c ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xi for what the.htm

Nevertheless one who Regards Only the Dissolution of the Body is ...
... of the body is greatly disturbed, and makes it a ... from the Revelation of the truth,
that God in the ... 11: "When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/chapter viii nevertheless one who.htm

Self-Scrutiny in God's Presence.
... Conscience indeed makes cowards of us all, but when the eye of God is felt to be ...
"When Thou with rebukes,""says the Psalmist,""dost correct man for his ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/self-scrutiny in gods presence.htm

On the Second Part of the Psalm.
... bestow on the blind man, who makes his eyes sound ... just above, the now "strengthened"
righteous man, when fallen ... immediately, "Because the love of God is spread ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/on the second part of.htm

"If So be that the Spirit of God Dwell in You. Now if any Man have ...
... This Spirit makes a Christian soul move willingly toward ... its place of eternal rest
and delight in God. ... unruly affections, that domineered in man, this strong ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxiv if so be.htm

South -- the Image of God in Man
... disease of the soul: it flies from a shadow, and makes more dangers ... our nature, that
whereas we bore the image of God, we now retain only the image of man. ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/south the image of.htm

A Ribband of Blue.
... His holy ordinance: rightly, therefore, was that man put to ... His perfection the least
little thing that He makes. ... as the lesser creations of GOD are absolutely ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a ribband of blue/a ribband of blue.htm

The Gladness of the Man of Sorrows
... The painter makes rough drafts at first, and lays on the ... God has made the king glad,
and his saints make him glad ... rejoice and be glad in thee." That man is glad ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the gladness of the man.htm

Fourth Day. Holiness and Revelation.
... In the burning bush God makes Himself known as dwelling in the ... in the great, 'Put
off the old man; put on ... The passages of God's Word in which the two words are ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/fourth day holiness and revelation.htm