What does it mean that the people go into exile for lack of
knowledge? The first question is what
knowledge is lacking? Knowledge comes
from a variety of sources but I am certain the knowledge that is lacking is not
financial, scientific, culinary, or some other knowledge. The knowledge that is in short supply is the
knowledge of God and His ways. This
knowledge, more than military knowledge about their enemies and the strategic
knowledge of how to fight, was the reason for their exile. They could have all the other knowledge in
the world but if they forget that He is their shield and defender, that He is
in control, that He is omnipotent, that His will is being done, then they lack knowledge
that matters. This is not for lack of
information, it is because they have rejected Him. They have chosen another path than the path
of wisdom and knowledge, they have trusted in themselves and in worldly
wisdom. That is well and good but if God
has spoken on a matter, the wise course of action is to do that instead of what
worldly wisdom counsels. The stakes are
eternal.
Jesus says that they have knowledge concerning earthly
things but lack spiritual discernment. They
recognize the signs of spring, the fig trees and budding and blooming and therefore
there will soon be fruit, but they lack the ability to discern the signs before
them such as the works He is doing. They
see the signs but they fail to properly interpret those signs as they will soon
demonstrate by crucifying their Messiah.
In 1 Chronicles 12 we get a list of all the tribes of Israel and the
number of men who came to David's side in the battle against Saul but with respect
to one tribe, Issachar, we are told not the number but that there came "men
who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do." They were an important asset to David. We need men and women who have understanding
of the times, those who can help us navigate as Christians on mission. We need to remain alert and know the signs
and what they portend for us that we might continue on the side of the Lord.
Paul gives sound parting advice on how to live in
community. He begins with treatment of
the leaders among them, they should esteem them highly in love. They are to be at peace with one another but
they are also to confront idleness which was a problem in the church at
Thessalonica and to encourage those who struggle, but to be patient with
all. They were to be constant in worship
and prayer. They were not to despise
prophecy and weren't to quench the Spirit.
Relationships in the body of Christ are to be loving and
encouraging. They are meant to be
building up not only the body but also the individual members. In this way we are pursuing wisdom and
listening to those who can interpret the signs.
We are fixed on Him and His kingdom and in that fixity we find true
wisdom.
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