Monday, July 20, 2020

Reflection - Spiritual Journey - Growing Wise

Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, PART I: SPIRITUAL JOURNEY, Chapter 8, "Growing Wise", Question 1, Page 51.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


How would you characterise a Christian who is wise?
PHOTO: How would you characterise a Christian who is wise?
The followers of Jesus are expected to show the wisdom of Christ; we are exhorted to have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5). As such, those who minister in church and provide leadership are expected to be "full of the Spirit and Wisdom" (Acts 6:3).

This wisdom from above is made available to all believers. James assures us: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you" (James 1:5). Such heavenly wisdom must show itself in the way we live. "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere" (James 3:17). It will reflect mature godliness and Christlikeness, being rooted in humility, which is an important mark of wisdom. Such wisdom in old age is worthy of respect. "Stand up in the presence of the age, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord" (Leviticus 19:32). Wisdom should manifest itself among the old as reverence, temperance, dignity, sensibility, and soundness in faith, love, and perseverance (Titus 2:2-3).


How do you think he or she has grown wise?
The Old Testament contains a few books that are collectively called Wisdom Literature. One of these books, the book of Proverbs, teaches practical wisdom centred on godliness. We learn that the "fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:7). Wisdom is personified as a woman and the reader is urged, "Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding" (Proverbs 4:6-7).

The suffering Job, defending against the false accusations of his friends, asked, "Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?" (Job 12:12). Old age should be marked by wisdom gained over the years. But where does this wisdom come from? In the next verse, Job declares, "To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his" (Job 12:13).

This becomes clearer in the New Testament when Jesus is described as the one "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). Thus, Jesus "has become for us wisdom from God" (1 Corinthians 1:30). The people who listened to Jesus marvelled at His wisdom (Matthew 13:54; Mark 6:2) and His disciples treasured His wise teaching in their hearts, propagating them through their preaching and writing.
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The Desert Fathers were a group of monks who lived in the Egyptian desert whose teaching and stories have been collected. Here is the story of one of them, called Abba Moses.

A brother in Scetis committed a fault. A council was called to which Moses was invited, but he refused to go to it. Then the priest sent someone to him, saying, "Come, for everyone is waiting for you". So he got up and went. He took a sack, filled it with sand and cut a small hole at the bottom and carried it on his shoulders. The others came out to meet him and said, "What is this, father." The Abba said to them, "My sins run out behind me, and I do not see them, and today I am coming to judge the errors of another." When they heard this, they said no more to the brother but forgave him. [31]


Abba Moses
PHOTO: Abba Moses
"My sins run out behind me, and I do not see them, and today I am coming to judge the errors of another."
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The story, like many about the Desert Fathers, reflects their wisdom, honed (sharpened) by life in the desert and age. How does one grow in wisdom?


How would you characterise a Christian who is wise? How do you think he or she has grown wise?

How would you characterise a Christian who is wise? [2]
The followers of Jesus are expected to show the wisdom of Christ; we are exhorted to have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5). As such, those who minister in church and provide leadership are expected to be "full of the Spirit and Wisdom" (Acts 6:3).


The followers of Jesus are expected to show the wisdom of Christ; we are exhorted to have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5).
PHOTO: The followers of Jesus are expected to show the wisdom of Christ; we are exhorted to have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5). As such, those who minister in church and provide leadership are expected to be "full of the Spirit and Wisdom" (Acts 6:3).
Picture posted by Cindi McMenamin on 24 May 2018
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https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/10-real-life-emotions-jesus-expressed.html


This wisdom from above is made available to all believers. James assures us: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you" (James 1:5). Such heavenly wisdom must show itself in the way we live. "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere" (James 3:17). It will reflect mature godliness and Christlikeness, being rooted in humility, which is an important mark of wisdom. Such wisdom in old age is worthy of respect. "Stand up in the presence of the age, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord" (Leviticus 19:32). Wisdom should manifest itself among the old as reverence, temperance, dignity, sensibility, and soundness in faith, love, and perseverance (Titus 2:2-3).


This wisdom from above is made available to all believers.
PHOTO: This wisdom from above is made available to all believers. James assures us: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you" (James 1:5). Such heavenly wisdom must show itself in the way we live.
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Picture posted by The Art Hunter
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But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere (James 3:17).
PHOTO: "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere" (James 3:17). It will reflect mature godliness and Christlikeness, being rooted in humility, which is an important mark of wisdom. Such wisdom in old age is worthy of respect.
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How do you think he or she has grown wise? [1]
The Old Testament contains a few books that are collectively called Wisdom Literature. One of these books, the book of Proverbs, teaches practical wisdom centred on godliness. We learn that the "fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:7). Wisdom is personified as a woman and the reader is urged, "Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding" (Proverbs 4:6-7).


How do you think he or she has grown wise?
PHOTO: How do you think he or she has grown wise?
The "fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:7). Wisdom is personified as a woman and the reader is urged, "Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding" (Proverbs 4:6-7).
Picture posted by Kristinasmi
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https://kristinasmi.tumblr.com/post/185296633809


The suffering Job, defending against the false accusations of his friends, asked, "Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?" (Job 12:12). Old age should be marked by wisdom gained over the years. But where does this wisdom come from? In the next verse, Job declares, "To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his" (Job 12:13).


The suffering Job, defending against the false accusations of his friends, asked, 'Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?' (Job 12:12).
PHOTO: The suffering Job, defending against the false accusations of his friends, asked, "Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?" (Job 12:12). Old age should be marked by wisdom gained over the years. But where does this wisdom come from? In the next verse, Job declares, "To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his" (Job 12:13).
Picture posted by Long Island Korean United Methodist Church, webmaster on 26 September 2015
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This becomes clearer in the New Testament when Jesus is described as the one "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). Thus, Jesus "has become for us wisdom from God" (1 Corinthians 1:30). The people who listened to Jesus marvelled at His wisdom (Matthew 13:54; Mark 6:2) and His disciples treasured His wise teaching in their hearts, propagating them through their preaching and writing.


Jesus is described as the one 'in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge' (Colossians 2:3).

PHOTO: Jesus is described as the one "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). Thus, Jesus "has become for us wisdom from God" (1 Corinthians 1:30). The people who listened to Jesus marvelled at His wisdom (Matthew 13:54; Mark 6:2) and His disciples treasured His wise teaching in their hearts, propagating them through their preaching and writing.
Artwork by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (1617–1682) - The Good Shepherd (circa 1660)
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Dear Lord
Dear Lord
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, we learn that as followers of Jesus we are expected to show the wisdom of Christ; we are exhorted to have the mind of Christ. Those who minister in church and provide leadership are expected to be ‘full of the Spirit and Wisdom’.

Heavenly wisdom is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. It will reflect mature godliness and Christlikeness, being rooted in humility, which is an important mark of wisdom. Such wisdom in old age is worthy of respect. Wisdom should manifest itself among the old as reverence, temperance, dignity, sensibility, and soundness in faith, love, and perseverance. This is how we characterise a Christian who is wise.

We learn that the ‘fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction’. Please help us not to forsake wisdom, as she will protect us. Help us to love her so that she will watch over us.

We learn that wisdom and power; counsel and understanding belong to God. We pray for this wisdom be made available to all of us. We need such heavenly wisdom to navigate in the world full of distractions, obstructions and temptations. Help us with the beginning of wisdom, by getting wisdom and understanding, even though it may cost all we have.

Jesus is described as the one ‘in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge’. He ‘has become for us wisdom from God’. Help us to marvel at His wisdom, and treasure His wise teaching in our hearts, propagating them through our preaching and writing.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"
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Reflection - Spiritual Journey - Growing Wise
Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, PART I: SPIRITUAL JOURNEY, Chapter 8, "Growing Wise", Question 1, Page 51.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012







Also from the same author, Robert M. Solomon

"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html



Reference
[1] From "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, Copyright © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-981-14-1836-5, PART I: SPIRITUAL JOURNEY, Chapter 8, "Growing Wise", Page 45-47. 

[2] From "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, Copyright © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-981-14-1836-5, PART I: SPIRITUAL JOURNEY, Chapter 8, "Growing Wise", Page 47-48.

[31] Abba Moses, "Moses 2", in Saying of the Desert Fathers: The Alphabetical Collection, trans. Benedicta Ward (London: A. R. Mowbray, 1975), 138-139.


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1 Corinthians 1:30 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+1%3A30&version=NIV

Acts 6:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+6%3A3&version=NIV

Colossians 2:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+2%3A3&version=NIV

James 1:5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A5&version=NIV

James 3:17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+3%3A17&version=NIV

Job 12:12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+12%3A12&version=NIV

Job 12:13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+12%3A13&version=NIV

Leviticus 19:32 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+19%3A32&version=NIV

Matthew 11:28-29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-29&version=NIV

Matthew 13:54; Mark 6:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+13%3A54%3B+Mark+6%3A2&version=NIV

Philippians 2:5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A5&version=NIV

Proverbs 1:7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+1%3A7&version=NIV

Proverbs 4:6-7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+4%3A6-7&version=NIV

Titus 2:2-3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Titus+2%3A2-3&version=NIV

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