As I mentioned last week, our Scripture and meditation cards this year highlight an attribute each week. This week's attribute is wisdom, the verse is from Job:
From where then does wisdom come? And where is the place of understanding?
It is hidden from the eyes of all living, And concealed from the birds of the air.
God understands its way, And He knows its place.
For He looks to the ends of the earth, And sees under the whole heavens,
To establish a weight for the wind, And apportion the waters by measure.
When He made a law for the rain, And a path for the thunderbolt,
Then He saw wisdom and declared it; He prepared it, indeed, He searched it out.
And to man He said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.' Job 28:20-21,23-28 NKJV
Wisdom...I struggled with the meaning of the word. When I think of wisdom, I remember the stories of King Solomon: The two mothers arguing over an infant (1 Kings 3:16-27), and the Queen of Sheba seeking answers for all her hard questions (2 Chronicles 9). The books of Proverbs' descriptions with the of Lady Wisdom and Ecclesiastes.
And God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore. 1 Kings 4:29 NKJV
One of my most treasured mentors often encourages our spiritual journey with the analogy of a kingdom. Ancient cultures had cities surrounded by high stone wall and mighty gates to provide its citizens with protection from their enemies. Large stone steles at the gates of the cities were carved with a list of the benefits provided to citizens who obeyed the rules. Those who agreed to the rules could enter. If you disagreed, you would be encouraged to keep walking or suffer the consequences.
Likewise, this earth is Elohim's Kingdom. It was created by the King and governed by His rules. Anyone desiring to peacefully reside in this Kingdom, seeking to enjoy the privileges of the King's blessings of protection and provision, must obey the King's rules. This righteous King will allow us to choose disobedience; however, the result will be His withdrawal of peace, provision and protection. Hmmm...ponder that for a moment.
Verse 28 of Job states that wisdom is the fear, reverent awe, of our King, Elohim. This goes hand in hand with understanding which is to know the rules and choosing to keep away from things that are evil. Because our God is holy and righteous, evil are thoughts and action are in opposition to His rules. So what are our King's rules?
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength." Deuteronomy 6:4-5 NKJV
"Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.'
This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' Matthew 22:36-39 NKJV
The rules are simple, show love and obey. If we are demonstrating love in our actions, motives and words, then we are obeying the laws of the Kingdom. Love and obedience go hand in hand. When we obey these rules, the blessings will flow from our King's generosity. [Remind yourself of last week's post.] We cannot have our way and His blessings, it's one or the other. We are allowed to choose.
Lastly, I don't want us to miss the "extra" gift that was bestowed upon Solomon when he asked for wisdom...God gave him "largeness of heart." The desire to fear the LORD resulted in a great love for God and others. Personally, the rules don't seem so bad and the benefits offered are overly generous. I will choose to obey.
Omnipotent King, You are full of grace and mercy. You promise that You will generously pour out wisdom upon all who seek You and ask, as Solomon did. Please guide our hearts to follow hard after Your wisdom and righteousness for Your glory. Amen