Series: Jesus Manifesto
Message: Getting Word to the Saints and the Faithful
Preacher: Iki Taimi
Reflection: Japhet De Oliveira
Live Wonder: Zan Long
Live Adventure: Zan Long
Live Beyond: J. Murdock
Live Purpose: Lydia Svoboda
Editor: Becky De Oliveira
Refresh: Begin with prayer. Ask for the Holy Spirit to open your heart to new understanding and for God’s character to be revealed.
Read: Colossians 1:1-10 in the New Testament for Everyone (NTE). Note 1–3 insights or questions.
Reflect: When you think about Solomon, what comes to mind? The case of the two mothers arguing over a baby and asking King Solomon to determine the true mother? His encounter with the Queen of Sheba? His thousand wives? Perhaps that he was the son of King David or that he had an impressive Navy? The beautiful temple he built to worship God? Do you think about King Solomon’s Mines (either the novel or the movie)? Or do you recall that when Solomon was offered his choice of just one blessing from God, he chose wisdom and became the wisest king in history?
Wisdom is something we all strive to obtain. Every decision we make in life, every action we take, every opportunity before us requires wisdom—either our wisdom or the wisdom of others. We find wisdom from all kinds of people—those we know well and those who are just passing through our lives. I have people who offer me wisdom in all areas of life. Quite honestly there are those who share their “unfettered wisdom” with me as if they imagine I wish to win the world championship in Trivial Pursuit and need all the information I can get. Than there are those whom I can draw on for sound advice, those who are living fountains of truth. They speak wisdom into my life, sharing good words that help me to grow, that challenge me. They intuitively seem to understand the right words to share. They are tuned into the Holy Spirit and love me as a family member. Those are the wise people in my life. Some are younger, others are older than I am. Some have a similar story to mine and others are entirely different. Yet when in sync with the Holy Spirit they speak beauty and truth. They seem almost like Jesus in their ability to discern what is really going on in my heart. (John 2:25).
When Paul explains that he is praying for everyone to grow in “spiritual wisdom and understanding,” he already knows the source of this strength—the true living fountain of truth. That source is Jesus. Paul simply affirms this and reminds the community that they too once found that source through Epaphras. Now they must continue to develop in their wisdom, never forgetting that the source of wisdom is Jesus.
Recalibrate: Think of someone you consider to be truly wise. What is it about them, their understanding and way of thinking that you value? How could you grow more like them?
Respond: Pray for wisdom and gratitude.
Research: Read John 2.
Remember: “He also told us about the love you have from the Holy Spirit” (Colossians 1:8, ICB).
Japhet De Oliveira is administrative director for the Center for Mission and Culture at Adventist Health in Roseville, California.
For today you will need some plastic cups, at least two, along with water or sand or rice. Set up a play space where your child can practice pouring. If there are only two cups they can pour from one into the other. If you have more they can line the cups up or stack them into a pyramid and pour in from above. As your child plays, pray that God will fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.
There are things that go together like peanut butter and jelly or ice cream and chocolate sauce. The word wisdom seems to always be put together with someone old. In Jesus’ name we can pray for wisdom no matter how old we are. This is called spiritual wisdom. It helps us choose what Jesus would do.
When I was twelve years old, I got into a fight with my brother and I screamed something pretty vile at him. It’s the one thing in life I wish I could take back. It’s my darkest secret, the one that holds my deepest shame. It’s the meanest thing I’ve ever said to someone. And I’m going to share with you what I said in hopes that you will learn from my mistake.
My mom had a child before me and my brother who died while she was a baby. Our family was devastated, and it wasn’t a sure thing that they would have the courage to have any more kids. They always wanted to have two kids, but with the loss of our sister, it didn’t seem like they would be able to have a family the way they dreamed. But because of their bravery and love for one another, my brother and I are healthy and happy in the world today.
One day, my brother made me so mad that I yelled at him, “You’re lucky to even be here! If our sister was still alive, you wouldn’t exist!”
What a terrible thing to say. What a horrible thing to think. What a poor choice of words. What I wouldn’t give to take those words back . . .
I have said some pretty dumb things in my life. When I think (usually at night right as I am trying to asleep) about all the poorly chosen words that have fallen out of my mouth, I feel sorry for myself. In those moments of weakness I feel sorry that I couldn’t have been as wise then as I am now. Because in the moment, it felt like I was justified for being so angry. But looking back now, I see how foolish I was.
As you move about your day today, what can you do to make sure you are seeking more wisdom so you don’t make the mistakes that you will look back on and blush? Sometimes making mistakes is a part of life. But it doesn’t have to be.
How will you find God’s wisdom today?
“In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace” (Col. 1:6). God’s grace is the very heart of the true Gospel. His Gospel is telling you to what impossible lengths He is willing to go in order to win your heart. The power of the Gospel will transform all who behold it.
Zan Long is GRC director for faith development for ages 0-17. She lives in Sydney, Australia, and serves at her local church in nearby Kellyville.
J. Murdock is associate pastor at Boulder Adventist Church in Boulder, Colorado, where he focuses on youth and young adult ministry.
Lydia Svoboda is a junior theology major at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska.