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| PAVILION CONSTRUCTION - SOIL FILLING November 16, 2021 |
In Wisdom is a spirit intelligent, holy, unique, manifold,
subtle, agile, clear, unstained, certain, not baneful,
loving the good, keen, unhampered, beneficent, kindly,
firm, secure, tranquil, all-powerful, all-seeing, and
pervading all spirits, though they be intelligent,
pure and very subtle.
WISDOM 7:22-23
This is a statement of faith that affirms the identity and role of Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Savior of the world. It also expresses the belief that Jesus is the source and embodiment of all true wisdom, which is the knowledge and understanding of God and His ways. According to the Bible, Jesus is the wisdom of God in several ways:
Jesus is the Word of God, the divine logos, who reveals God’s truth and wisdom to humanity (John 1:1-18). He is the ultimate expression of God’s mind and will, and the one through whom all things were created and sustained (Colossians 1:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-3).
Jesus is the power and wisdom of God, who confounds the wisdom of the world and saves those who believe in Him (1 Corinthians 1:18-31). He is the one who became for us wisdom from God, and also righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30).
Jesus is the treasure of wisdom and knowledge, who possesses and imparts all the riches of God’s wisdom to His people (Colossians 2:2-3). He is the one who teaches us the mysteries of God’s kingdom and the secrets of His will (Matthew 13:10-17; Ephesians 1:7-10).
Jesus is the wisdom of God, who fulfills the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament and brings them to completion in Himself (Luke 11:49; 24:25-27). He is the one who surpasses the wisdom of Solomon and the teachers of the law, and who speaks with authority and grace (Matthew 12:42; Luke 4:22; 21:15).
To say that Jesus is the wisdom of God is to say that He is the supreme revelation of God’s character and purpose, and the ultimate source of guidance and direction for our lives. To know Jesus is to know God, and to follow Jesus is to walk in wisdom. (Microsoft Bing)
For Wisdom is mobile beyond all motion, and she penetrates and pervades all things by reason of her purity. For she is an aura of the might of God and a pure effusion of the glory of the Almighty; therefore nought that is sullied enters into her. For she is the refulgence of eternal light, the spotless mirror of the power of God, the image of his goodness. And she, who is one, can do all things, and renews everything while herself perduring; and passing into holy souls from age to age, she produces friends of God and prophets. For there is nought God loves, be it not one who dwells with Wisdom. For she is fairer than the sun and surpasses every constellation of the stars. Compared to light, she takes precedence; for that, indeed, night supplants, but wickedness prevails not over Wisdom. Indeed, she reaches from end to end mightily and governs all things well. (Wisdom 7:22–8:1)
Asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, Jesus said in reply, “The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,’ or, ‘There it is.’ For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.” Then He said to his disciples, “The days will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. There will be those who will say to you, ‘Look, there he is,’ or ‘Look, here he is.’ Do not go off; do not run in pursuit. For just as lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. But first he must suffer greatly and be rejected by this generation.” (Luke 17:20-25)
Jesus answered the Pharisees who asked him when the kingdom of God would come. Jesus told them that the kingdom of God was not something that could be observed or located in a specific place, but rather it was within them, or in their midst, meaning that it was present in His person and ministry. Different translations of the Bible may use different words to express this idea, such as “among you”, “in your hearts”, or “surrounding you”. Some interpreters understand this verse to mean that the kingdom of God is a spiritual reality that can be experienced by anyone who believes in Jesus and follows his teachings. Others see it as a reference to the future manifestation of God’s reign that will be revealed at the end of the age. (Microsoft Bing)
Your word, O Lord, endures forever; it is firm as the heavens. Through all generations Your truth endures; You have established the earth, and it stands firm. According to Your ordinances they still stand firm: all things serve You. (Psalm 119:89-91)
The revelation of Your words sheds light, giving understanding to the simple. Let Your countenance shine upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes. Let my soul live to praise You, and may Your ordinances help me. (Psalm 119:130, 135, 175)
Pericope:
V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative
THE COMING OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD / THE DAY OF THE SON OF MAN
Luke 17:20-21/22-37
II: Praise of Wisdom by Solomon
NATURE AND INCOMPARABLE DIGNITY OF WISDOM
Wisdom 7:22-30 / 8:1
Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150
A PRAYER TO GOD, THE LAWGIVER
Psalm 119:1-176