Wisdom

The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth— Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:1-7 ESV).

In the movie, The Empire Strikes Back, Yoda says to Luke, “That is why you fail.” Yoda, the master of the Force, is merely being brutally honest with Luke, who breathlessly says, “I don’t believe it,” after his Master raises an X-wing from the Dagobah swamp. It’s a definitive statement that comes from Yoda’s years and years of experience as a Jedi and a teacher, and it cuts through both to Luke and the audience. As I have begun to read the Proverbs again, I was reminded of this scene from our reading today. Solomon, the wisest man to live, begins to write the collection of his years of practicing the wisdom of God and simply states, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” All of them are predicated on faith. Knowledge is just a beginning. In the next few days we’ll look at some of these practices. Proverbs was intended to help the reader learn how to live a meaningful, godly life. A few years ago there was a best-seller called “Life’s Little Instruction Book.” A few thousand years before that, Solomon had already compiled “Life’s Big Instruction Book” in the proverbs. The proverbial key to a good life is wisdom. Remember, wisdom is not the same thing as intelligence. Wisdom is practical, not theoretical. Wisdom is shown by a godly life. Such wisdom, Paul reminds us, may look foolish in the world’s eyes. But remember, “God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom.” So, let’s get started. The entire theme of Proverbs is stated explicitly early in this very verse about the “beginning of knowledge.” He introduces the fear of the Lord as a reference to our viewing God with the respect He deserves. It means living our lives in light of what we know of Him, holding Him in the highest estimation, and depending on Him with humble trust. Only then, Solomon teaches, will we discover knowledge and wisdom. It simply harkens back to the beginning of faith. Through faith we are able to reckon that God is separate and beyond anything we can even imagine. Yet, he has made himself accessible to each of his children through the sacrificial work of Christ. It is belief in that work of grace that opens the door to wisdom. And it is through wisdom that we are able to live the kind of life Jesus would consider “abundant.” It is an audacious undertaking, but completely within our grasp. Begin today by believing.

There's No Place Like Home

And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:7-13 ESV).

Almost everyone is aware of the story of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. When we visited the National Museum of Natural History located within the complex of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC, we were able to see the Ruby Slippers that sixteen year-old Judy Garland wore as Dorothy in the 1939 film classic. In the original book by L. Frank Baum, Dorothy’s magic slippers are silver; for the Technicolor movie, they were changed to ruby red to show up more vividly against the yellow-brick road. The ones in the Smithsonian are one of several pairs used during filming, these size-five shoes are well-worn, suggesting they were Garland’s primary pair for dancing scenes. The key to the importance of the shoes was that when she clicked the heels together and said “I want to go home” she would be instantly transported back to her home in Kansas. I have nothing against Kansas, but that’s not my home. My home is in heaven. When Jesus instructed the disciples in prayer, he emphasized the need to focus on that kingdom. For as long as God gives us breath, we can worship him, grow as believers, and impact his kingdom on earth. As we do so, we must remember that there are really two aspects to the kingdom of God. There is the kingdom here and now, and the fullness of God’s kingdom that will only come when Christ returns. John helps us understand that kingdom. He describes the wonder of this new heaven and earth, the end of pain, sorrow, and death, and the glory of the Holy City (cf. Revelation 21). As we follow Christ in this world, we do so never forgetting what is to come. The kingdom here and now, and the glory that awaits, motivate us to thank, praise, serve, follow, and depend upon our great God and King. As a follower of Jesus Christ and a member of his body, this is our encouragement. Worship him in the fellowship of the church. Strengthen and build up the body of Christ. Look outward in ministry, proclaiming and living out the good news of the gospel for the world to see. Let the Father’s will be done in your life until that glorious day when you see him face to face. Oh, by the way, you need not worry about getting any red slippers to click together. Jesus has already taken care of providing the way home. It is through Him. He is preparing it for each of us. When he is done, he will come and get us.

The Keys to the Kingdom

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. (Matthew 16:13-20 ESV).

I was browsing vacation spots and I came across an ad for a special tour of the Disney Magic Kingdom. It was built around “unlocking” the history and “magic” of Disney. The ad went on to say: “This 5-hour walking tour explores the creation and remarkable growth of one of the most beloved parks at Walt Disney World Resort! Explore secret locations you’ve always wondered about and get the inside scoop on some of your favorite attractions. During your tour you will uncover the hidden secrets of classic attractions at Magic Kingdom park; access the famed underground “Utilidor” tunnels that allow people and supplies to travel beneath the park unseen; discover little-known facts, trivia and other exciting tidbits about the park; enjoy a delicious lunch; and, take home an exclusive keepsake key.” Well, Mary and I probably won’t be taking that tour, but it did remind me of our reading today. It focuses on the third fundamental of the faith. We are to be ministry focused in the church. Remember that when Jesus spoke about building his church to Peter and the disciples, he was speaking about a movement, not a facility. He was referring to the body of Christ, the living Christian church that has spread throughout the world. Methods of ministry may change, but nothing can defeat the church that Jesus Christ calls us to be a part of. We are to be people of God empowered by God to reach out with the gospel. When this happens, not even the gates of Hades can prevail against the work of God. The church will always be relevant because the message that we are called to proclaim is always relevant. These are the “keys” we have been given. They unlock the power and strength of our Source, the Holy Spirit. As we come to a close of this little series, it is important to remember we have not been left without power or authority. Jesus has given all that we need to continue the spread of His message of grace. It is not our power and resourcefulness that will win over death and hell; it is the power of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Stand on that foundation.

The Pit Crew

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. (1 Corinthians 12:12-20 ESV).

My grandson, Logan, loves NASCAR. He and I follow Dale Earnhardt, Jr. in the chase. It is always exciting to watch a race. Of course, most of the action is typically followed on the track. There is a lot of excitement when they get four-wide on a track going nearly 200 mph. Everyone agrees that the most powerful tool a NASCAR driver has is his car; however, their car wouldn't surv¬ive one race without the care it gets from the pit crew. NASCAR pit crews are sometimes called the unsung heroes of the sport. That's because they keep the car and the driver going, but they often get very little credit. However, those who are in the know recognize that NASCAR crew members are an integral part of every NASCAR victory and are superb athletes in their own right. Imagine the frustration a race car driver would feel if he pulled in for a pit stop only to see half of the pit crew remain on the other side of the wall. What if the tire changer sat sulking because he wasn’t allowed to fill the gas tank? Silly isn’t it? As crazy as that sounds, it happens all too often in churches where members find themselves merely sitting on the sidelines. They have been created by God, redeemed by Christ, and equipped with gifts through the Holy Spirit, but they are not using the gifts God has entrusted to them. This not only hurts the joy and fruitfulness of the believer but it is also harmful for the overall ministry of the church. The apostle speaks to that in our reading today. When we neglect to identify or use our spiritual gifts, the whole body suffers. A part of the fundamental of personal and corporate growth is identifying and developing the unique talents and gifts that God has given us for service in the church and beyond. My encouragement to you today is to do that. Even if you have been hurt along the way, don’t quit. Find that place where you best fit and persevere within that gift. If you have somehow fallen into the trap of believing your gifts and talents are not as important as others, remember the pit crew. Every one of them is essential to win the race!

How Do We Get There?

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat. The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19 ESV).

Today we continue to look at the fundamental principle of personal growth. As I have often said, I am one of those folks best described as “directionally challenged.” That description calls to mind someone who has difficulty in figuring out where they parked their car, or which way to turn to get to a specific location. You may also be one of those folks. Believe me, I am not attempting to either criticize or make light of this characteristic. Sometimes it is a very real disability. At other times it is just a matter of not paying attention to where I am or where I am going. The truth is that every one of us is directionally challenged, spiritually. Left to our own imaginations, feelings, emotions we are like someone walking around in life with no sense of direction or guidance. I’ve seen enough of man’s wisdom and where it leads to know that it can’t be trusted. We all need truth. We need God’s ‘yes’ and God’s ‘no.’ The only reliable authority on earth is the Scripture. It gives us our direction. It is our compass. It is the foundation for our lives. To build on any other foundation is dangerous and unwise. Whether we are looking for direction about how to worship God, grow and build up one another, or minister to others, our motives and methods must be biblical. The Word must be our guide. In order for that to be true, we must regularly read, hear, apply, memorize, and study God’s Word. Kyle recently showed me a wonderful application that might be of interest to you in reading and memorizing Scripture. It is called Scripture Typer (https://scripturetyper.com/). I have downloaded it and it is far better than the old “flip cards” I used to use. Give it a try. Make Scripture your only compass!

The Fundamental of Growth

The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:17-20 ESV).

The second fundamental of the faith we are looking at in this little mini-series is personal and communal growth. The Gospels remind us that we are to do more than worship God on Sunday. We are to build up and encourage one another as we serve God together. The fellowship of believers in the early church, as described in Acts 2:42-47, reveals a communal atmosphere of worship, growth, and ministry. So, today, we turn from worship to thinking about discipleship. The church is meant to be a body, a group of committed followers of Jesus Christ. The paths of each of our individual journeys often appear to be long and lonely. However, Jesus never intended us to walk alone; we are to walk together, just as Jesus sent the disciples out to minister in pairs. Together is better. Together we pray for one another, share one another’s burdens, visit the sick, comfort the oppressed, teach and encourage, maintain accountability, and combine our God-given gifts in ministry. Perhaps one of the most critical principles for us to understand is expressed by A.W. Tozer: “If we truly want to follow God we must seek to be other-worldly. This I say knowing well that that word has been used with scorn and applied to the Christian as a badge of reproach. So be it. Every man must choose his world.” The Apostle John helps us in the Gospel he wrote, as he quotes Jesus: Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. (John 14:12-14 ESV). In God’s kingdom, there must be an attitude of humility, teamwork, unity, and a servant’s heart. We ought to seek teamwork and unity in your fellowship of believers. This will allow us to minister effectively with others. The Lord did not send people out alone. He sent them ahead in pairs to do his work, proclaim the good news, and minister to those in need. Find your partnership in faith.

Why Worship?

Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 100 ESV). The motivation to worship God is a key principle in developing the fundamentals of the faith. For some, worship is motivated by guilt, duty, what others will think, or an effort to earn God’s blessing. Tragically in recent decades church leaders have developed a motivational strategy of guilt. It has worked. Unfortunately it only worked in building crowds of people who attend church gatherings. With the dawning of the cultural and societal changes in the decades of 1960-1980, the organization of the church began to shift. In fact, by 1960 our nation was on the verge of a total social change. American society had been dominated primarily by old-stock, white males. During the 1960s, groups that previously had been submerged or subordinate began more forcefully and successfully to assert themselves. Much of the support they received came from a young population larger than ever, making its way through a college and university system that was expanding at an unprecedented pace. Frequently embracing “countercultural” life styles and radical politics, many of the offspring of the World War II generation emerged as advocates of a new America characterized by a cultural and ethnic pluralism that their parents often viewed with unease. The real motivation for worship was lost in the change as more control was used to build and maintain the church programs. As time passed more and more people simply lost both the motivation and felt need for worship. Our reading helps us with that. They teach us that our fundamental motivation for worship is gratitude. We can all enter into worship with thanksgiving because we have all been blessed by God. I know that it may seem that God has not blessed you at times, especially when you are walking through a challenging time. Israel provides us with an example in that regard. It always strikes me how ungrateful the Israelites were despite the tremendous deliverance God provided. In the book of Exodus, we find God punishing the Egyptians while sparing the Israelites. He brought his people out of slavery, only to hear them grumble, complain, and even express a desire to return to slavery. He led them into the Promised Land, only to watch them worship other gods. They had so much to be thankful for, yet often neglected to show gratitude to God. In light of God’s rich grace, most powerfully revealed through the gift of Jesus Christ, we ought to be people who live with gratitude. Given what God has done for us, we can turn our attention to the ultimate blessing of our secured hope in heaven. It is not guilt that motivates; it is the release from guilt that sends us to worship.