A long, long time ago, in a land far, far away (okay, well maybe not so far away, but it was long enough ago that many people never experienced it), you used to be able to pull into a gas station and drive over a rubber hose that rang a bell. The bell signaled an attendant inside who would come out to your car and ask how they could serve you! The customary reply would be, “Fill ‘er up,” meaning the patron wanted the attendant to unscrew the gas cap on their car, insert the fuel hose, and monitor the pump until the vehicle’s tank was full. The attendant often would wash your windshield for you while you waited also. Yes, this really did happen! Then the attendant would take the patron’s cash or credit card (debit cards didn’t exist then) and walk inside to transact the payment. Then they would return with either change or a receipt and you’d be on your way, having never had to get out of the car. This was especially convenient in inclimate weather! That, however, is a thing of the past. Only in states like New Jersey do you encounter stations like that anymore. And it isn’t so much offered as a convenience, but as a means to exact more money from you. In Atlantic City, you’re NOT ALLOWED to pump your own gas. Trust me, I’ve tried. You’re required to let the attendant pump, and then you better pay him a reasonable tip on top of the cost of fuel. Same with the valet parking all over that city too. But that’s another story…
Full service stations are ancient history. We now have self-service drink dispensers at restaurants, self-check-out lanes at retail stores, and a myriad of other “conveniences” that expedite the rhythm of our lives. But, there is still at least one place we can go and still ask for a “fill up” and never leave disappointed.
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
James 1:5James 1:5
English: Contemporary English Version (1999) - CEV
5 Ws ; If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won't correct you for asking.
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Instruct all the skilled craftsmen whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom.
Exodus 28:3Exodus 28:3
English: Contemporary English Version (1999) - CEV
3 Aaron is to be dedicated as my high priest, and his clothes must be made only by persons who possess skills that I have given them.
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Wisdom is a very important commodity to have. Wisdom allows us to discern right from wrong, to look at a set of choices and know what to do. Wisdom enables us to learn, to think ahead, and to be prepared. Wisdom can also cause us to stand apart!
The Bible tells us in Psalm 111:10Psalm 111:10
English: Contemporary English Version (1999) - CEV
10 ; . Respect and obey the Lord!
This is the first step
to wisdom and good sense. d This ... sense: Or “This is what wisdom and good sense are all about.”
God will always be respected.
WP-Bible plugin that fearing God is the foundation of true wisdom. Therefore, we have to conclude that God is the source of wisdom, and if we want to possess it, we must go to Him to receive it. As the verse in James above reminds us, God does not mind our asking Him for wisdom, in fact, He will grant our request as we humbly seek Him as the source of wisdom.
Except for Jesus, the wisest person to ever walk the face of the earth was Solomon. He is renown for exercising great wisdom as king of Israel. You can read all about it in the book of 1 Kings. In fact, chapter 3 of that book tells the story of how God spoke to Solomon in a dream (vs. 5) and said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” God told Solomon he could have whatever he wanted, and He would grant it!! What would you have asked for, given the same choice? Well, in verse 9, Solomon offers his request. He asks for an understanding heart, or wisdom. This pleased the Lord very much, and in addition to wisdom, God granted Solomon what he did not ask for too, such as wealth, fame, and the promise of a long life, according to Solomon’s obedience to God.
You cannot put a price tag on wisdom. It has the power to save your life, and the lives of those around you. Knowing the precise thing to do at the exact right moment can literally mean the difference between life and death. Spiritually speaking, this is true also. As we heard in the sermon on Sunday morning, there is coming a day when Christ will return and the end of the world as we know it will arrive. Whether through the grave or through being alive at the Second Coming, we all will face God and be confronted with the reality of an eternity with God or an eternity without God. We must be ready for that day, and we must exercise the wisdom to prepare for that time NOW! It would be foolish to procrastinate about being prepared for the imminent return of Christ. It is illogical to take our next breath or tomorrow for granted. We don’t know when our time is up or when the whole world’s time is up, and we must be wise today so we don’t get caught unprepared.
God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.
Revelation 1:3Revelation 1:3
English: Contemporary English Version (1999) - CEV
3 God will bless everyone who reads this prophecy to others, a who reads this prophecy to others: A public reading, in a worship service. and he will bless everyone who hears and obeys it. The time is almost here.
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Give me a discerning, understanding, and wise heart over fame and fortune anyday!! Money and prestige are fleeting and temporal, but our souls are eternal. Lord, help me to have the wisdom to guard my soul and live for You, so that whenever you return, I am ready! Thank you for filling me with wisdom as I humbly seek You for it. Help me to be wise to help those around me know and serve You also.
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