We are attempting to reopen our pool this week. It is a slow process. The water is still a lovely colour of green and not swimmable. It will come with time, but we just have to be patient. We will be able to “clearly” see the bottom of the pool soon.
As I sat this morning, outside, reflecting on the pool, the passage of scripture so often quoted in 1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV) came to mind… “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him.
This verse, or passage, is often quoted about Heaven. Although the principle is true, it is not talking about Heaven at all. If you look at the context of this section of chapter two, it is wisdom. What Paul is saying is that it is not through the natural avenues of the eye and the ear, both which help us to take in information, that we will gain Godly wisdom. Instead, it is a gift that God gives us as we live and mature in Him. As we “love him”, we will grow in that wisdom and it is beyond our human reasoning. Godly wisdom cannot be gained outside of a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul sates this in verse 14, “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.”
“An angel appears at a faculty meeting and tells the dean that in return for his unselfish and exemplary behaviour, the Lord will reward him with his choice of infinite wealth, wisdom or beauty. Without hesitating, the dean selects infinite wisdom.
"Done!" says the angel, and disappears in a cloud of smoke and a bolt of lightning. Now, all heads turn toward the dean, who sits surrounded by a faint halo of light. At length, one of his colleagues whispers, "Say something." The dean looks at them and says, "I should have taken the money."
Maybe sometimes we feel like that – taking what the world has to offer especially when we are struggling. The only problem is that what the world has to offer will one day cease unless used in wisdom for God. Godly wisdom, knowing how to apply God’s mind to daily life, will, in the end, bring us a whole lot more joy. The fruit will go with us into eternity. A verse I quote, often, Proverbs 4:7 (NIV), is so important. One could say it is Solomon’s theme verse, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it costs all you have. Get understanding.”
Remember our pool. Don’t let the “murky green stuff” of life impede your vision. Be patient. Be gracious. Be loving and let God’s wisdom point the way!
Lord willing see you Sunday – Pastor Ralph
PLEASE NOTE: For the rest of the summer, we will be posting “Reflections” on Tuesdays and Thursdays only. This will allow my family (Allison who is so important to the construction and postings we see daily and weekly) to take a well-deserved break. We look forward to continued ministry and please pray for God’s blessing on our web site.
Thanks, Pastor Ralph
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