When you hear the word wisdom, what comes to mind? Do you picture a wall full of books, a professor in front of a chalkboard, or an owl sitting on a branch with a graduate’s cap on his head? Paul’s words here should have given you an entirely different perspective. Paul speaks of the wisdom of God and how we as mere humans will never be able to truly grasp it. “But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
Thankfully, we have the Holy Spirit to intervene and give us a glimpse into the wisdom of God. We can get to know Jesus by reading our Bibles and spending time in reflection and prayer. God reveals himself to us, bit by bit, as we are ready to understand. How do you respond to that much wisdom?
When we place our trust in Jesus and stand on the Word of God alone as our guide, the world may think we’re radical and unloving. Sadly, it is the world that misses out on the great benefits we have as believers. While all are loved by God, only believers have access to eternal life, the peace that passes understanding, and the power of the Holy Spirit. These gifts are so valuable, and they only come from God in his mercy. How often do we boast about the loving Father who gave us such gifts that set us apart from the foolish world?
Jeremiah 9:24 is Paul’s inspiration here and says: “But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Did you notice what God said through Jeremiah? He delights in loving us and making all things right.
Paul goes on to give us some good tips for how to be a witness for Jesus in this world. Paul didn’t “use lofty words and impressive wisdom,” and his preaching was simple, not “clever and persuasive.” In other words, we’re supposed to be real and relatable. We don’t have to be eloquent and have it all figured out. We don’t seek to impress others about us, only point their focus to Jesus as the answer, the way, the truth, and the life. That doesn’t sound that hard, does it?
Paul also quotes from Isaiah 64:4, “For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him!” Paul’s version was a little different but also beautiful: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” I can remember using that Scripture as the basis for a building fund campaign back when we were serving churches in the States. Let that verse just rest with you knowing that God has prepared something special for you here and ultimately with him in the “forever ever after.”
One more tip for witnessing is this: “we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths.” If you’ve ever been afraid to stumble over your words or not know what to say to non-believers or people who have lost their way? Do what Paul and his friends did. They spoke words that were not their own but given to them by the Holy Spirit. I know how it feels to be unsure and then open my mouth and something profound spills out. That’s not me. It’s the Holy Spirit, and it gives me chills just to recall those blessed moments. The Holy Spirit stands by to help when you need help.
One thing I know I’m thankful for is the knowledge that I have understanding and know the power of the Spirit. For those who don’t understand or think that the Bible is a joke or that Jesus is only a great teacher, my heart breaks. I am so thankful for Paul’s words, “But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.” Can you even fathom tapping into the mind of Christ for understanding true wisdom?
Focus on that and what Paul said in the first part of our reading, which said: “God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin.” That is powerful! Jesus is wisdom. Jesus has done so much more!
Let’s pray. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for all that you have done in my life. I know you’re not done with me yet, and I thank you for each moment the Holy Spirit speaks through me. Open opportunities for me to speak for you, and give me the words to say. It is hard to comprehend how I can tap into your wisdom by tapping into you and your power. Thank you for thinking about that and making it available. Forgive me for my missteps and weaknesses. Make me strong in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
