"And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes, children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured and skillful in all wisdom and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans ... " (Daniel 1:3-4)
You see, even in the days of old, those in authority (i.e. the kings) favoured those who were considered skillful in all wisdom and cunning in knowledge; those who understood science and had the ability to teach the learning [writing] and the tongue of the Chaldeans. For the world, the 'knowledge is power' cliche comes to mind.
Still, how many scriptural examples reveal to us that worldly wisdom is of no consequence in terms of the Lord Jesus? And similarly, that there exists a knowledge and wisdom that cannot be found in earthly constructs, because the Lord's wisdom supersedes all the things of this world. To this end, apostle Paul had it right, when he said, "For the Kingdom of God is not in word but in power." (I Corinthians 4:20; I Thessalonians 1:5) And that, as believers in the Lord Jesus, our faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but rather, in the power of God.
"Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect; yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought; but we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory, which NONE of the princes of this world knew: for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory!" (I Corinthians 2:6-8)
Moreover, Paul tells those who listened that the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. "For you see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called; but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in His presence ..." (I Corinthians 2:24-29)
We also know this from numerous scriptural examples that the wise of this world are confounded by those who believe. In one scripture, the people acknowledged in their hearts that the disciples had to have been with Jesus because in their own minds, these were unlearned and ignorant men.
"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13)
As well, Stephen (one of the chosen seven of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom) offers yet another example. Therein, suborned [bribed] men spoke blasphemous words against God, stirring up the people and elders and scribes. But Stephen's testimony, as we know from reading Acts 6 and 7 is telling. His testimony so sufficient that Jesus stood up when Stephen's accusers stoned him to death. (Acts 6:8-15; Acts 7:1-60)
You see, that when believers lift Jesus as their Lord God and Saviour, He draws all men unto Him. He opens the doors that the world cannot open, and likewise shuts the doors to those places where we no longer need to be. But to get there, we need to seek the Lord Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We need to be grounded knowing from whence comes our salvation.
Jesus told His disciples -- "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed ..." (Matthew 17:20)
This same message applies to us this day. But too often, we let the cares of this world sidetrack us from the heavenly things that matter most. Like the rich ruler, we too often forget the first commandment, even when Jesus said, " ... who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting!"(Luke 18:30)
But the Lord of hosts says, the wise in the Lord shall understand, and shall shine as the brightness of the firmament. Ponder these things in your heart and in your day to day, and ask our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ to lead and guide you in everything you set out to do. For He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. The Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. And He -- the Son of man who is the Lord of glory -- never fails.
"And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it ..." (Isaiah 40:5)
Stand in the offering plate.
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