Pr. 3:13: “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding.”
In Mark 12:38-40, Jesus warns his disciples to beware of the scribes. He said they were people whose religion was for show.
Verse 28; however, introduces us to a scribe who came to Jesus and asked, “Which is the first commandment of all?” After Jesus answered him, the scribe told Jesus, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.
Certainly this scribe had gained understanding. For the wisdom he found, Mark 12:34 says, “Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.'”
What happier knowledge is there than that you are not far from the kingdom of God?
It is ok for us to ask questions of God. It is ok for us to seek wisdom in His Word and search for the answers. Through Him, we gain the wisdom and understanding that we need. Knowing the truth, knowing who He really is, knowing His nature keeps us from religion that is just for show. Knowing God leads to loving God, and loving God leads to humble and willing submission to Him.
The most amazing and mind-boggling thing about God is that good works do not impress Him. He is not interested in our outward appearances or performances. He does not require that we strive for perfection. God simply desires that we love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and that we love our neighbors as much as we love ourselves.
We learned in 1 Sam. 16:7 that, “The Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” God knows what is truly in our hearts, no matter what sacrifices or pretenses we may bring forth.
Once we discover who He truly is, through the wisdom and understanding found in His Word, it is not difficult to kneel to the God of the Bible. Our flesh may still be weak and we may have moments of doubt, confusion, or fear; but God, knowing our hearts, will come to our rescue. If we continue seeking Him, reading His Word, asking questions of Him, and searching for the answers, we find Him ever-faithful.
We don’t need to pretend we have it all together or be afraid to ask questions of God. Gaining understanding and finding wisdom brings true happiness and brings us ever closer to Him and His kingdom. What better knowledge is there than that?
Asking,
jamie
considering the word 