You have not because you ask not
You have not because you ask not
I have always been fascinated with the great historians, archaeologists and adventurers of ages past, determined and focussed and sometimes obsessed – I agree, to solve riddles and excavate evidence to proof wars, determine customs and decipher languages of people who lived aeons ago. Listen to this:
- It took Jean-Francois Champollion 23 years to crack the code of two of the three ancient texts on the Rosetta Stone, which was discovered when he was 8 years old.
- Howard Carter worked in Egypt as an archaeologist for 31 years. The last five years, sponsored by Lord Carnarvon, he focussed his attention on the Valley of the Kings where they finally found the famous burial chamber of King Tut, the boy-king.
- Heinrich Schliemann, global businessman, active from Russia to California, used his own fortune in his twenty-year search of the long-lost ancient city of Troy.
As these men persevered, willing to face financial ruin, professional ridicule and personal failure — all to proof their theories, God expects us to diligently study and search for Wisdom. While it is true that Lady Wisdom frequents public spaces, making her easily accessible, as we emphasised two weeks ago, we dare not ignore her elusive and mysterious nature. In fact, it is through this enigmatic personality that Wisdom together with her main attributes, discernment and understanding, keeps us yearning for a fuller revelation of all she has to offer.
Solomon is therefore unambiguous in his advice that we are to call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding as if we are looking for silver and searching for hidden treasure![1] This should never be a leisurely side-line activity we occasionally engage in, rather there should be a holy urgency about our pursuit and a zealous intensity to our seeking, as the original Greek and Hebrew words suggest.
Many years ago, my husband worked among the gold diggers in Zimbabwe – burrowing tunnels deep into the earth to pan heaps of rocks and dirt in the shallow waters of the Angwa river. Using tiny candles and crawling deep into a conglomerate of side tunnels, they searched diligently and daily, for every gram of gold dust ensured food on the table and clothes on their bodies. Always, the rumours of friends who found significant clumps kept their gold dreams alive to also one day strike it rich.
For us too, there is this promise of a treasure trove of wisdom waiting this side of eternity, stockpiled with insight, instruction, discretion, guidance and understanding. No wonder we are repeatedly encouraged throughout this unique book to make our asking and patient searching the daily discipline of our lives.
When Solomon asked for an understanding heart to judge God’s people and distinguish between good and evil, God also granted him wisdom and very great discernment and breadth of mind, like the sand that is on the seashore, the Bible says.[2] It is my prayer, that we too will ask wisely and that winning more souls for Christ will top everyone’s list, for we all have family members, friends and colleagues, undecisive or confused and therefore still outside the fold.
The blessing on those who find wisdom and gain understanding is profound, for the Bible says she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; and nothing we desire can compare with her.[3] May this profound promise spur us on to action and may our wise investments bring us eternal treasures in heaven.
OUR GRACE CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK: Let us implore God to show us how to reach more souls for Christ. Then, let us direct our prayers, our giving and our going – as in active outreach, around those people.
[1] Proverbs 2:3,4
[2] 1 Kings 4:29
[3] Proverbs 3: 13 – 15
A Pilgrim’s Progress
A Pilgrim's Progress
Most of us are familiar with the English writer, John Bunyan’s Christian classic, The Pilgrim’s Progress, the most famous Christian allegory still in print and one of the most significant works of theological fiction in English literature. Remarkably, it has been translated into 200 languages of which over eighty are African languages. It chronicles the adventures of Christian (an everyman figure) as he journeys from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City.
It all starts as he seeks to rid himself of a terrible burden, the weight of his sins, revealed to him after reading a book – most probably the Bible. This is where he meets Evangelist, who points him towards a wicket gate (Old English for a small door). As he heads off, he leaves his family behind. He doesn’t get very far though, as his burden drags him down and he falls into the Slough of Despond, where he is saved by a man called Help. Next Christian meets Mr Worldly Wiseman, who persuades him to disregard Evangelist’s advice and rather go to the village of Morality and seek out Mr Legality or his son Civility. When Christian’s burden becomes heavier, he stops. This is when Evangelist reappears and helps him back on the path to the wicket gate. Once the gatekeeper, Goodwill, lets him through and after he receives instruction on Christian grace at the house of the Interpreter, he comes upon a cross and a sepulchre. Only then does his burden fall from his shoulders. Three Shining Ones now appear, giving him a sealed scroll he must present when he reaches the Celestial City. The story is far from finished and his adventures are far from over, but let’s stop here for now.
The Bible frequently exhorts us to choose the right path. Just yesterday I posted on our WhatsApp group that the LORD guards the paths of justice and preserves the way of His saints. Thus, while the contemporary world thinks there are many ways to God and that any path sincerely followed will eventually take us there, it is a lie and will prove the most expensive detour of our lives. Jesus made it clear that in this life we can take only one of two ways, and each of them leads to a different destination. Everybody has to choose either going through the wide gate and joining the crowds on the broad road that leads to destruction or they must go through the small gate and setting out with a few others on the narrow road that leads to life.[1]
I was fascinated to discover this year that in the book of Proverbs, the word “path” and “way” and their plurals are found nearly 100 times. This a wonderful reminder to us that Wisdom is not only a person to love, as we discussed a few weeks ago, but also a path to walk.
The blessings when Christians choose the path of Wisdom are numerous and a special emphasis on Proverbs 2, 3 and 4. In chapter 2, Wisdom protects our path. In chapter 3, Wisdom directs our path and in chapter 4, Wisdom perfects our path – reassuring us that our steps will not be hampered as we walk and that when we run, we will not stumble.
But how do we know if we are on the right path? I hope to keep reminding us throughout this challenge that all true spiritual wisdom is found only in Christ Jesus – the way, the truth and the life! May I add – the ONLY way!
OUR GRACE CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK: Let us make an active and determined effort to get to know the Word of God where the highest wisdom is stored. If you do not have a Bible Reading Plan, I would like to recommend you download the YOU VERSION on your phone or your tablet, go to Featured Plans and subscribe to Nicky Gumbel’s Bible in One Year 2023.
[1] Matthew 7:13,14
Lady Wisdom & Her Beautiful Song
Lady Wisdom & Her Beautiful Song
My eye caught a hilarious article the other day about warnings printed on appliances in the United States. Apparently, birthday candles should not be used as earplugs and parents are warned not to put their children in the washing machine. Then there is the cell phone manual warning users not to place their phones in the microwave oven. While one hair dryer company advices clients not to use the appliance while sleeping, a chain saw warning reads – do not attempt to stop chain with your hand. On an iron, one company printed — do not iron clothes on body.
In a society all too ready to take legal action, warning labels have now become so lengthy, the article reasons, that many no longer read them. To the majority of us these warnings are extremely amusing, yet the sad truth is that it mirrors the lack of common sense all too prevalent in many societies today. While life-experience and trusted individuals play a significant role in acquiring common sense, the Word of God remains the best source to develop sound judgment, level-headedness and discernment.
Of all the Bible books, I believe the proverbs of Solomon – where wisdom, knowledge and understanding are personified as a woman in the first nine chapters, are especially significant if we want to discuss good old-fashioned common sense. The portrayal of Wisdom as a communicating person rather than a cold abstraction is naturally appealing and particularly effective. What is also noteworthy is that wisdom is not just any woman, but a prophet, one who is unambiguously clear when she warns that a persistent, conceited and opinionated display of ignorance will lead scoffers to their death.
Thus, we find Wisdom like Old Testament prophets, in public places. I love Eugene Peterson’s rendition in the Message, when he writes: Lady Wisdom goes out in the street and shouts. At the town center she makes her speech. In the middle of the traffic she takes her stand. At the busiest corner she calls out:
The important take away for me is that these life-changing truths is not some secret knowledge reserved for a privileged few, but available to everyone. For that reason, Solomon depicts Wisdom taking her stand in the city center or in peak traffic eager to attract the attention of passersby while crying out, pleading the case of common sense. Yet, her beautiful song of discernment and wit, level-headedness and reason is mostly ignored as people prefer procrastination. It is this careless and complacent attitude that leave them unprepared when catastrophe strikes.
How strange that in these days of great advancement on practically every level, common sense is a rare and precious commodity. Therefore, I agree wholeheartedly with a friend when she lamented “there is nothing common about common sense.” May God help us Christians to intentionally make wisdom fashionable and common sense trending again!
GRACE CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK: How do you think can we make wisdom fashionable and common sense trending again in the church, but also in the board room, in the office, at home and when on the road?
Learners, Disciples & Apprentices
Learners, Disciples & Apprentices
I live in the sixth oldest town in South Africa, called George. Due to semigration, it is currently bursting at the seams. There is little remaining of the quiet retirement destination it once was and now boasts long queues, permanent roadworks and soaring house prizes throughout the year. It is a town gripped by growing pains. While I have mostly resigned myself to the inevitable, there is one aspect that I struggle with, and that is the increase in traffic. Extra bus routes have been introduced and more traffic lights erected while parking space has been reduced. With all the influx of people, driving schools have flourished and many mornings, I am not only contending with red traffic lights, but also with a convoy of Learner drivers. When using the driving school car, the call to be patient is printed in big bold letters on the back of each vehicle, making sure other drivers change gears and exercise self-control. When it is a private vehicle, a conspicuous red letter ‘L’ on a white background is being displayed.
Every time I see these letters L, I am reminded of the famous Chinese church leader and Christian teacher, Watchman Nee’s visit to the UK in the 1930’s. He was fascinated with the idea of informing others that the driver behind the steering wheel is most likely under instruction. It seeped into a couple of his sermons and in many a conversation. The truth is, as disciples of Jesus we should all display such a sign, for we are all learners or apprentices in the school of life.
Proverbs, written by a middle-aged Solomon for his son and others in training in the palace is brimming with sound advice to instruct a younger generation to make wise choices. In the first nine chapters, the section written by Solomon, there are seventeen specific lessons, each beginning with either “my son” or “my children” – for both sons and daughters were obviously included. The assumption is then that the training of the youthful princes and next generation of leaders must have been a huge priority.
Yet, the idea of training the next generation was a biblical principle and important command to all Jewish parents. The Bible is clear from the beginning – the family unit is the pivot of society and as such, three of the ten commandments God gave Moses on the mountain relate to the family. This includes the only commandment with a promise – “Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Then there are the frequent references to both parents, which really is a remarkable tribute to the prominent role that specifically Israel’s mothers played on so many fronts. It is also an important reminder that parents should share their children’s training and should speak with one voice. Interestingly, Proverbs teaches monogamy, despite the fact that it was written by Solomon! In fact, the book teaches a very high view of marriage.
I was very challenged by one Bible commentator who wanted to know why modern parents, who sacrifice so much time and money to help their children excel in music, sports and other activities, do not similarly help their children excel in knowing and obeying the Word of God. Maybe it is because too many no longer view the Bible as the basic textbook in the home.
Finally, I believe that we all agree that in the light of Jesus, the terms “son” and “children” have been expanded to include disciple, apprentice and learner. The importance to seek wisdom should therefore really be the universal cry of all Christians, everywhere.
OUR GRACE CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK: May God help us find new ways to display the red letter “L” on our person for as born-again believers, we are all under instruction!
Still Learning
Still Learning!
It is believed that Apelles of Kos, an ancient Greek painter who lived in the fourth century before Christ, was a well-respected artist who worked at the court of Philip II of Macedonia. Even though nothing is left of his work, not even the famous portrait of Alexander the Great, his influence was substantial. Today he is most remembered for his motto Not a single day without a line, for in spite of his substantial talent, he had a daily routine of drawing. He believed to get better, everyone, regardless of their talent, should keep practising the elemental principles of their art.
What an inspiring moto indeed – to discover something new every day, both in our field of expertise and in general matters, so that we can learn to live and be better. As this principle applies to our secular life, so it applies to our spiritual life. From the outset Solomon is adamant, spiritual wisdom should be pursued by the young, in other words mere babes in Christ, as well as those seasoned sages, experienced in the matters of God. I love how the Message modernizes Solomon’s motivation by calling Proverbs a manual for living, for learning what’s right and just and fair; to teach the inexperienced the ropes and give our young people a grasp on reality. There’s something here also for seasoned men and women, still a thing or two for the experienced to learn —fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate the rhymes and reasons of wise men and women.[1]
The Bible has many examples of experienced men who remained life-long learners, willing and wise to allow another to speak into their lives as they pressed on to perfection.
- Upon Jethro’s instructions, Moses appointed seventy elders to act as Judges over the people.[2]
- Jesus had twelve apprentices He moulded and influenced.[3]
- Priscilla and Aquilla helped Apollos to teach “the way of God more accurately.”[4]
We referred to wisdom a few weeks ago as skillful living when we talked about those experts in every imaginable craft who have reached a certain level of competence that set them apart from their colleagues. This week we basically say the same thing, only that the challenge before us today is to stick to the basics, not neglecting the elementary principles of our faith. In other words, we are encouraged to make sure to …
Love God.
Love our neighbour as ourselves.
Forgive those who have wronged us.
Love our enemies.
Repent of our sins.
Not be hypocritical.
Not judge others.
Years ago, a godly leader encouraged me to read a chapter of proverbs a day. While it was an inspiring idea, I failed miserably. This is then the reason I am so thankful to each one of you who are pottering through Proverbs with me this year, pondering the insights, warnings and motivations as we press on to perfection ourselves.
OUR GRACE CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK: Whether we have been a follower of Christ for many years or only a few years, may Apelles of Kos and his motto Not a single day without a line motivate us not to misplace the basics of our faith this week and thus continue to excel in wisdom.
[1] Proverbs 1: 4 – 6 MSG
[2] Exodus 18:17-26
[3] Matthew 13:11 – 16
[4] Acts 18:26
To Discern Words of Discernment!
To Discern Words of Discernement!
I am not really tempted to steal and neither are my daughters and yet one of them walked out of the grocery store the other day with an unpaid product tucked under her arm – by accident. She wanted to pay for it herself, but was so focussed on helping me with my purchases and heavy bags, that she forgot. Not only did she not notice, neither did I, nor the cashier nor the security officer. It was only as she packed the bags into the boot, that she released her tight grip and the item dropped to the ground. She got a very big fright and was terribly fearful that she would get into trouble if she confessed. What if people did not believe her? WHAT IF THEY THOUGHT she wilfully planned stealing this item. Fortunately, they did believe her and commended her for her honesty. She climbed back into the car, feeling light and relieved – her conscience at complete peace.
This week we are talking about discernment. To discern is taken from the Hebrew bin/biyn and means basically “to distinguish or to separate.” This ability to distinguish between moral options, as in good from evil or what is good from what is best, does not come naturally to the children of men.
Some commentators call this the second purpose of the Book of Proverbs: to compare and properly evaluate every kind of wise sayings and every circumstance. This knowledge is far superior to the mere gathering of data. It is the ability to perceive what is right and what is wrong in any given situation.
- Solomon, for example, uses this word in his prayer for wisdom to rule Israel. He asks for understanding “that I may discern (bin) between good and evil.”
- Joseph, standing before Pharaoh, encourages him after he has interpreted his dreams to prepare ahead and look for a man discerning and clear-headed and wise we read in the Amplified version, and set him in charge over the land of Egypt as governor under Pharaoh.
- David in Psalm 19 AMP cries out to God, asking “who can understand his errors or omissions? Acquit me of hidden or unconscious, unintended faults”.
OUR GRACE CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK: It is my prayer that the LORD will grant us this critical ability to differentiate when to do what is right and best – so that in all circumstances we will bring honour to God and draw people to Christ.
Wisdom Personified
Wisdom Personified - Week 1
Most of us can recall the heroics of Captain “Sully” Sullenberger and crew when they smoothly landed their damaged aircraft in the Hudson River a couple of years ago. The incident that made international headlines happened when both engines of their plane shut down after colliding with birds two minutes after taking off. All 155 passengers survived the incident. One month later, Captain Sully and four crew members received the keys of New York city from Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
But what does it mean to receive the keys of a city? In ancient times when major cities were fortified by walls and gates to protect their inhabitants, heroes or dignitaries were often presented with a real key of the city gate. It was a way for the city to honour someone who has done something significant to improve everyone’s life, whether through business or entertainment. The key gave recipients the freedom to enter and leave the city at their own convenience as trusted friends of all its residents.
Within the context of our 2023 Grace Challenge, the key that unlocks the entire book of Proverbs and gives us free access to Wisdom so to speak is found in chapter 1 and verse 7: the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge! The Amplified calls such a healthy regard for God the starting point and essence of knowledge.
The term “fear”, one commentator explains, includes both a correct relationship with God and a correct thinking of God. Now, to think correctly about God, we need to be in the right position before God, for it speaks of a desire to revere Him, an eagerness to please Him, a humility to listen to Him and a swiftness to obey Him.
In regard to the correct relationship with God, we can turn to the apostle Paul, who repeatedly writes about this in almost every one of his letters, sometimes stating and other times warning, that the first step towards wisdom is faith in Jesus.
- To the Corinthians he calls Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1:24)
- To the Colossians he writes, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Col. 2:3)
- In his letter to Timothy, he reminds him how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:15 – 17)
This key verse that begins with the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, ends with the reminder butfools despise wisdom and instruction. As we work through Proverbs, we will spend much time in the New Testament, for Jesus Christ is the key to this treasure-trove we read about in Proverbs. And unless we can display his character in the practical affairs of our everyday lives – when the traffic is bad, when our health fails, when there is tension at work – we will not convince a world hungry and thirsty for biblical reality that it starts with Jesus.
OUR GRACE CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK: Itt is my prayer that our love for Christ and his word may abound more and more in real knowledge and practical insight, not sentimental gush as we afresh dedicate our lives to make Jesus Christ attractive this year.
Tomatoes in the Fruit Salad – Week 4
Tomatoes in the Fruit Salad - Week 4
I don’t know how you relax, but at the end of a long day filled with people, planning meetings, and all kinds of preparations for this, that, and the rest, I often like to mindlessly watch something online. Thus, I sometimes find myself paging through the updates and anecdotes posted by a variety of friends and acquaintances on Facebook or Instagram. Occasionally I find myself half asleep, yet mesmerized by a chocolate engineer building life-size edible structures or marveling at the dexterity of hairdressers transforming women’s faces and ages with clever cuts and a variety of liberally applied colouring potions. Then there are the many gifted and accomplished musicians, weavers, cake decorators, flower arrangers, embroiders, carpenters, and a host of other artisans displaying their expertise online. Often my last thought before falling asleep is honest admiration, for I, who have unsuccessfully tried my hand at a project or two, am all too aware that I was born with ten thumbs.
Wisdom is similar, only this time it is to have skill in everyday living, as in being an expert in matters of life, like conduct, behaviour, and habits. Spurgeon calls wisdom the right use of knowledge. A modern-day rendition I love puts it like this: Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad. In other words, while we may have the knowledge, we often lack the correct application of that knowledge. Thus, in this too I am butterfingered, for life can be challenging, and as we are all too aware, making godly decisions does not come naturally to the children of man.
How wonderful then to know that God has given us this book called Proverbs – really a manual for living and learning how to behave with disciplined thoughtfulness, showing good judgment and old-fashioned common sense as we go about our daily tasks. As a collection of careful observations, these sayings aim to give the next generation a grasp of reality. Yet, there is much for seasoned men and women to ponder and probe, much for us to learn and apply!
I love how Eugene Peterson renders the first six verses of this book in the Message: These are the wise sayings of Solomon, David’s son, Israel’s king – written down so we’ll know how to live well and right, to understand what life means and where it’s going; a manual for living, for learning what’s right and just and fair; to teach the inexperienced the ropes and give our young people a grasp on reality. There’s something here also for seasoned men and women, still a thing or two for the experienced to learn – fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate the rhymes and reasons of wise men and women. Proverbs 1: 1 – 6
As we work through Proverbs this year, let us not forget that while Solomon may be its main contributor, this same Solomon allowed his heart to be turned away from God. This is a clear warning that we need to walk our talk and get better skilled at the practical application of the spiritual wisdom we access through Bible study and Sunday services, for wisdom is nothing without practical intelligence.
Wisdom and Folly – Week 3
Wisdom and Folly - Week 3
As we pore over the Book of Proverbs this year, you will notice it is patriarchal, recording a father’s advice to his son, or more specifically, a middle-aged Solomon desperately trying to prevent his son from committing the same errors as he did. Throughout the book, he presents his son and his readers with a choice between Wisdom and Folly — both symbolically portrayed as women.
In chapters 8 and 9 Wisdom is described as a wonderful woman, one Solomon advises his son to court, love, and make a beloved member of his family. In chapter 31, a mother advises her son on what to look for in a good woman, highlighting things like being a good wife, mother, neighbour, trader, or businesswoman.
The exact same pattern is used with Folly. In chapter 9 we read how she is seducing men with her smooth talk, enticing them with tempting offers. And while they may sound charming, the warning rings chillingly clear – all her guests will end up dead! In chapter 6, Folly is depicted as a prostitute whose dangerous promises will trap her victim and leave him helpless.
It is David Pawson who points out that the use of women as symbols is not unique to Proverbs. In the Book of Revelations, there are also two women – a filthy prostitute and a pure bride. The prostitute is called Babylon and the bride is called Jerusalem. Thus, it is a theme that runs throughout the whole Bible. As the Bible is a collection of books that often presents us with choices: life or death, light or darkness, heaven or hell, it is my prayer that this year, we will choose wisely and be intentional as we learn to daily practice God’s presence in every area of our lives.
Ask What I Shall Give You – Week 2
Ask What I shall Give You - Week 2
In his prime, Solomon became so famous for his wisdom that the Queen of Sheba made a long journey not just to see his wealth but to hear his wisdom. His wise words were truly legendary, making him the man most associated with wisdom in the Bible. I love David Pawson’s summary of Solomon’s three books. According to him, Solomon wrote the Song of Songs when he was a young man, so much in love that he forgot about God altogether. For this reason, Pawson refers to it as a book of the heart. He wrote Proverbs as a middle-aged man and thus Pawson calls it a book of the will. His last book, Ecclesiastes, was written in old age. Pawson calls it a book of the mind, as he meditates on his life and wonders whether he has achieved anything with it.
While we are mostly going to spend time with Solomon as a middle-aged father in the book of Proverbs, there will be times that we will get a glimpse of him as a young lover in Song of Songs and as an elder philosopher in Ecclesiastes. As we experience God through the seasons of Solomon’s life, it is my prayer that our relationship with the Lord will grow and that we too will be able to joyfully confess: His banner over mé is Love!
This brings me to God’s question to Solomon – Ask what I shall give you! It is a question that challenges me every time I read it, always wondering what would my answer have been at such a tender age. I mean, even now I struggle to come up with a clear and unambiguous answer, one that will similarly change the trajectory of my life. But what really really challenges me about Solomon’s answer is that it closely resembles his father’s prayer for him: “Only may the LORD give you wisdom and understanding, and give you charge concerning Israel, that you may keep the law of the LORD your God.” If ever a father’s prayer for his son and a king’s prayer for his successor was answered, this was it! As such, it must count among some of the most profound prayers in all of history.
As we are still on the threshold of 2023, my prayer today is twofold. One that each one of us will know how to answer God today, for He is posing this same question to us: Ask what I shall give you! And secondly, that our intercession for our children will be bold and deep and tangible and absolutely in line with the will of the Father so that they too will know how to answer God when he tests them – Ask what I shall give you!
