3 January 2010
Psalm 66, 67; Wisdom 7:3-14; Col. 3:12-17; John 6:41-47

Solomon’s ode to wisdom and the importance of getting wisdom. He extols wisdom as the highest prize and wisdom is indeed important, it is essentially the understanding of all things but in some ways it is a secondary good. If Adam and Eve had sought wisdom they would have had understanding but instead of wisdom they sought knowledge, a particular knowledge, the knowledge of good and evil. If they had sought wisdom they would have been able to skillfully apply knowledge. When we see Jesus interact with people who think themselves wise or crafty in their questions: “Who is my neighbor?” or “Is it right to pay taxes?” for instance, we see true wisdom that comes from above. That is the wisdom Solomon possessed, wisdom as a gift from God, and it is available to us as well. Wisdom begets wisdom, true wisdom is the knowledge and love of God as the highest good.

To be taught by God is a worthy ambition. We get there by faith and by believing the words of Jesus, accepting His claim to be of God and our Messiah. Again it comes back to faith seeking understanding. These will not believe in Him because they can name Mary and Joseph as His parents. Either they don’t know or don’t believe Mary’s story about Jesus’ conception and it always amazes me that Jesus never bothers to set the record straight for them. They are content that they know all that they need to in spite of all the evidence He has given them by His words and actions. He is always content to let those things speak for themselves and these are the proofs He always points to in His own defense.

What is the proof we have to offer the world about who we are? Paul tells the Colossians that the proof we have is that our community is Christ-like and therefore different from the world’s community. Paul says the marks of our community should be: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forbearance, forgiveness, love, harmony, peace and thankfulness. All those are supposed to be descriptive of Christian community as they were descriptive of Christ. These are brought to bear by letting the word of Christ dwell in us richly and doing all we do in the Name of the Lord. If our community looked like that we would never have to do academic apologetics, life together would speak for itself.

Shout for joy to God, all the earth;
sing the glory of his name;
give to him glorious praise!
Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds!
So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you.
All the earth worships you
and sings praises to you;
they sing praises to your name."