"There is for all one entrance into life, and one way
out." We live in a society that
would never allow such a thing in a public building but God has only one way in
and one way out. We all come into this
life in the same way, through the union of sperm and egg. It is messy business and we are all related
to the first humans, we come from dust and the activity of God, whether we are
king or living on the streets. Wisdom is
knowing our creator, the one who alone knows all things because He alone
existed before all things came into existence.
Humility is the recognition of this truth and turning to Him for wisdom. Our wisdom is limited in many ways and His is
limitless, why would we seek it elsewhere?
Solomon showed humility and wisdom in seeking from the Lord. His request for wisdom was proof both of his
humility and his wisdom.
The early church fathers all agreed that John sent his
disciples to Jesus because he wanted their faith in Jesus to be strengthened
and so that they would follow Him.
Modern commentators suggest with almost equal unanimity that John sent
them because his faith was wavering, because he was in prison, he was
doubting. It is interesting to see the
dichotomy between moderns and ancients and I tend to lean in favor of the
fathers of the church who would perhaps have a better understanding of the mind
of the man as they were closer to that mind.
Jesus' affirmation of John, after John's disciples had departed, tends
to argue in favor of that interpretation as well. Jesus didn't speak to these men about John
but about Himself and He left something out of the Scripture He quoted, the
part about setting captives free. There would be no miracle to get John out of
prison, they would have to believe without that particular sign, faith could
not be dependent on Jesus' acting in accord with their desire.
To the Ephesians Paul says to put on the armor of God, they
are in a battle. To the Colossians Paul
says to put on spiritual virtues like compassionate hearts, kindness, humility,
meekness, and patience, forgiving hearts with one another, love, peace and
thanksgiving. What would a community
characterized by all that look like? It
would be the most wonderful community imaginable. Thankfulness, Paul particularly
stresses. Thankfulness to God for all
things and in all things changes everything.
It is wisdom to recognize that He is the source of all good things and
we should thank Him for them. Wisdom
indeed " is
an unfailing treasure for mortals;
those who get it obtain friendship with God, commended for the gifts that come from instruction," just as the first passage said.
those who get it obtain friendship with God, commended for the gifts that come from instruction," just as the first passage said.
No comments:
Post a Comment