Wisdom’s Invitation

Throughout this week we are going to be studying wisdom. Hearing the invitation to receive the heavenly wisdom that is "first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." (James 3:17 NIV).

The book of James invites us to go on an adventure with wisdom that echoes Proverbs 1. Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square "repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings" (Proverbs 1:20 and 23)

I love the way our Heavenly Father puts His invitation: “I will pour out my thoughts to you”. An invitation to be close, to receive intimate knowledge and be instructed in how to use that knowledge. That is what wisdom is about, not just having information, but knowing what to do with that information, how to use it.

Some invitations come without proper instructions as to how to get to the right place. The Internet can be a great place for information. Internet searches can get loads of info from the internet but that isn’t always helpful. Sifting the useful from the distracting can be so hard. It is easy to get into endless but useless learning for the sake of learning. Like turning up to the wrong destination, we are frustrated.

In contrast, our Heavenly Father’s invitation comes with instructions: wisdom that transforms us. This is one of the key reasons for us needing the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation (Ephesians 1:17-21) who teaches and reminds us of everything Jesus has said to us (John 14:26). Jesus gave us the invitation to ask for the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13) and then followed that invitation up with a command to not try to do anything until we have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

All this week let’s be praying Paul’s Ephesians 1 prayer. Not just endlessly repeating it but thanking our Heavenly Father for giving us the spirit of wisdom and revelation. Rejoicing that we are growing in wisdom & revelation. Being active with our faith as we pray. This is the Spirit who helps us know Jesus, know our place in our Father’s plans and also know by experience God’s power working in us.

The invitation has been sent, we need to respond.