The Glory of Kings

Scripture: It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out. Proverbs 25:2

Observation: Part of what separates us from God is that God’s thoughts are so much more vast than ours. His knowledge and wisdom is limitless. Job learned this when he dared question God. So the fact that God knows more than he has revealed to us is part of his glory. We, on the other hand, are creatures of learning. Unlike God, we have room to grow and learn. Our glory as “kings” is to apply ourselves to live our lives by wisdom.

Application: I have been praying about our church going through a year of searching out what truly happens to us at the moment we believe on Christ. I think we have barely scratched the surface of this transformation. The Bible lists 33 realities that occur to us at the moment of salvation. This endeavor is daunting, as it will challenge much of my comfort zone. But what is outweighing the risk is the wonder of what could happen if we searched things out, if we spent a year unpacking the divine riches of God’s grace. I think that God is saying to me today that it is to our glory to do this. God’s glory is to effect all of this salvation; our glory is to search it out and live by what we learn.

Prayer: God, I continue to yield this to you. Guide me in what you want us to search out. If you want me to do this, I will. I trust you and the sufficiency of your word. As I search out this idea, would you reveal to me your plans?

What I Look for Most in a New Employee

Scripture: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

Observation: The point of the entire book of Proverbs—that fearing God is the beginning of knowledge—is contrasted by a second statement, that those who despise wisdom are fools. Perhaps the core thing I have learned in the last few decades is how often people despise knowledge. They despise knowledge when they refuse to learn, when they stop growing, when they keep doing things their own way, when they ignore counsel, when they think they know it all. In other words, when they have lost teachability. In fact, teachability just might be my most prized trait when I am hiring someone. With it, there is not necessarily the guarantee of success, but without it, there is 100% chance of failure. I want people who never stop coming to God and others to learn and grow.

Application: I need to be teachable today on our staff retreat. One thing I am asking God for is the proper balance of confidence. I do not want to be so determined that I come off as dictatorial, but I also do not want to be so consensus-minded that I give no direction. I need God’s wisdom to know when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em today. Fearing God is the beginning of this balance.

Prayer: God, I yield control today to you. Would you guide me and grant me wisdom to lead this retreat? I need your spirit whispering in my ear to speak or be silent. To know the right questions. To listen and learn, and to know when to decide. I pray for all of our pastors today as well, that our number one desire would be to fear God and from that would spring a thirst for wisdom.

The Wisest Thing Solomon Ever Did

Scripture: Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” 1 Kings 3:9

Observation: As Solomon begins his reign as king, God appears to him and offers him an incredible gift. He can ask God for whatever he wants. Solomon recognizes his complete inadequacy to rule the kingdom, and asks God for wisdom. This is an act of dependence. Solomon here acknowledges his inability to lead in his own effort and wisdom. He must have the wisdom only God can supply. The wisest thing Solomon ever did was recognize his lack of wisdom and need for God.

Application: We face a threefold impossibility in this life. We are called to live like Heaven while here on earth. We are called to fight an enemy much stronger than us. We are called to live with desires that pull us towards evil. These three we are unable to pull off in our own strength. But God has promised to supply all we need to life this life he calls us to. However, it starts with the wisdom Solomon showed here. The understanding of complete helplessness, total dependency. That God and God alone is sufficient. This intentional dependence is tough to maintain in a world that calls us to self sufficiency. But the wisest thing we will ever do is recognize our complete lack of ability to live the live God calls us to on our own, apart from him.

Prayer: God, today I acknowledge I do not have what it takes on my own to lead our church. I do not have the ability to do this. In Christ, I do. I again proclaim my dependence on you and your Spirit. Will you give me your understanding mind today, that I might lead and love your people in your power?

Where Shall Wisdom Be Found?

Scripture:
But where shall wisdom be found?
And where is the place of understanding?
God understands the way to it,
and he knows its place. Job 28:12, 23

Observation: Job writes a poem centering on a profoundly simple question: Where can we find wisdom? The answer is equally simple: God. If I want to know how to make decisions, set priorities, choose opportunities, discern danger, or live wisely, I need wisdom. And only God knows the way to wisdom.

Application: This Sunday, I am preaching on why the apostles devoted themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word. They knew that for the word of God to increase, for the number of disciples to multiply greatly, and for people to come to obedience to the faith, they needed to know the mind of God. The way to do that was prioritize the ministry of prayer and the word. This is behind this past year’s attempt for me to daily spend time in my devotions. I am desperate to find the wisdom I need.

Prayer: God, Forgive me for failing to honor you as the Source of all wisdom. You know what is wise for me, and as I soak my mind in your word, you show me the way. Please give me victory today as I move our church towards being people who hear from you in your word.