Day 5: Wisdom and Forgiveness

Luke 7:18-50; Genesis 11; Psalm 5

The truths that the Lord speaks in his Word are so powerful. Many of them, I have heard over and over again, and yet, reading them today, they are new and refreshed. The whole idea of neutrality is impossible in your eyes. According to God's word, a person is either for something, or you are not for it (against it). There is ability for a person’s mind not to be made up for a short time, but when judgment comes, an undecided mind is the same as not accepting. Jesus, we are on your side, the winning, glorious, awesome side!  

I don’t completely understand the message of Jesus here: “Yet Wisdom is shown to be right by what its followers do.” Wisdom is often associated with God, especially when capitalized. Perhaps it means that because of the impact of wisdom, the followers of Jesus and John had changed lives. Not only were some of them healed physically, but they were spiritual alive and set free. Or maybe it has to do with the thought that God's followers will do what God tells them. I'm not sure.

 I looked it up and found a interesting discussion on this website. What this talks about is that wisdom is the pursuit of what is best, not just the best means. It also says that this verse demonstrates that those who are wise will all pursue what is best. So if wise people are seeking the same thing, then it proves they are wise. And finally, it states that those who are unwise will stumble at wisdom.

Speaking of confusion, I think the same thing is true for those who do not follow Christ.  The things of The Lord are so confusing to those who do not follow God. The forgivness, humility, selflessness, peace, and gentleness seem ridiculous to those who do not believe in Jesus. That is one of the things that believers need to be aware of, and recognize that what Jesus expects of us is so different from what the world expects. May we pursue wisdom and be wise, for it will show that we are God's followers.

Forgiveness is a big issue in this world. People struggle to forgive. The story in Luke verses 36-50 is a powerful reminder of what God does for us and what he expects of us. The amount of forgiveness is not determined by what you are willing to give—it is determined by a broken, contrite, humble heart that recognizes sin and asks for forgiveness. The Pharisee felt holy, whereas the woman knew she was a sinner. She was forgiven of all her sins because she was humble enough to admit them in her heart.

God, you hate evil, you hate sin, you hate violence. God, it is incredible that you have any patience left with humanity. Lord, thank you for answering our prayers. Thank you for your faithfulness. Lord, I pray that you would continue to reveal your wisdom to us through your word so that we are prepared to give an answer and live in faith no matter what we face. Lord, my words sometimes do not reflect the loving, gracious Spirit that you have placed inside me. Help me to bring good things out of my heart, and remove those things which are bad and broken. I want to stand before you on judgment day and hear the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”