Wise Men Still Seek Him

Scripture: Psalms 1, 111

There is much wisdom in this familiar Christmas card message. And yet, skeptics today laugh at Christians and Christianity as being the realm of the ignorant. Their claim is that believing the Bible is like believing in Peter Pan - maybe not even that good since the Bible does not teach us how to fly! And yet, many of the greatest scientists throughout history have not only believed the Bible but have lived by it.

Do Smart People Read the Bible? It was Isaac Newton in the 1700's who discovered the law of gravity, the compound nature of light, and the principles of calculus (well, we'll forgive him for that one...). Newton said, "If the Bible is true, the time is coming when men shall travel at fifty miles an hour." The French skeptic, Voltaire scoffed, "Poor Isaac. He was in his dotage when he made that prophecy. It only shows what Bible study will do to an otherwise scientific mind." Fifty miles an hour, indeed! Voltaire also predicted the demise of Christianity within one hundred years of his death. It is interesting to note that fifty years after his death, the Geneva Bible Society used Voltaire's own house and his printing press to produce stacks of Bibles!

Where Do We Seek Wisdom? Today, people look for wisdom in many places. But it is clear that people are quick to accept the "wisdom" of science and slow to accept what Almighty God set forth in Scripture. People scoff at the Bible for its claim of divine origin and assertion of miracles; Yet these same people will seek supernatural guidance in the form of astrology, fortune telling, ESP, transcendental meditation, or even in a charismatic leader. Their desire is to gain that special piece of knowledge that will give them power over their circumstances or over others. David Koresh, for example, of the Branch Davidian cult in Waco, Texas lead people astray with "revelation knowledge" that he alone claimed. The key question that must be answered is this: what evidence in people's lives shows that they possess true wisdom?

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;

all who follow His precepts have good understanding. (Psalm 111:10, NIV)

Two Steps to True Wisdom: According to our Lord Jesus Christ - who spoke and the universe (with all its associated scientific laws) leapt into existence - wisdom starts with a proper relationship with Him. People today need to fear the Lord. This word "fear" comes from the Hebrew "yirah" which denotes reverence - deep respect, awe, and affection. Is this your relationship to the Lord? Have you personally decided to stop living your life for yourself and turned to the Lord Jesus Christ for forgiveness, acceptance, and lifelong guidance? If so, then you have completed the first step to wisdom. The second step is to "follow His precepts." Jesus said, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord!' and do not do what I say? (Luke 6:46, NIV).

A Wise Life: The Psalmist opens the Book of Psalms with this counsel for a life where your steps are sure and your work pleasing to the Lord:

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of scoffers. But his delight is in the Law of the Lord and on His Law he meditates day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season... (Psalm 1:1-3, NIV)