FORMERLY HIDDEN WISDOM OF GOD

Wisdom of God - the formerly hidden wisdom

In spite of the worst Satan can do, many celebrate the Birth, the Death & Resurrection of Christ Jesus - God The Son.

"But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." 1 Cor 2:7-8

None of the rulers. This points to the Jewish and Roman rulers who nailed Christ to the cross. They were completely ignorant of God’s wisdom and plan. The stupidity of the philosophers in rejecting "Christ on the cross" was only surpassed by the stupidity of the politicians who nailed Him there. No one ever expected God to act in history by sending the Eternal Word in human form and having Him die on the cross as the means of salvation! The TOTAL glory of God’s Act In Christ is still beyond human understanding!

"Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father." John 10:17-18

This is the basis of the Gospel. (1 Cor. 1:18-25: 15:1-4). He gave His life on the Cross; He took it back when He raised from death. [In these first 18 verses of John 10, Christ is the Door, through whom the true shepherds must enter. Then He is the Good Shepherd, whose praises both David and Isaiah sung, who gives His life for His sheep.]

The rulers of this age

We look at three. Their desires are so familiar: One is looking for a place to belong. One is in a power struggle. And another wants to save his image. Sound like someone you know? These aren’t twenty first century stressed-out boomers - they are individuals who lived in first century Israel and had a life-changing encounter with Jesus the Savior. See how Jesus relates uniquely to each one, calling them to a new understanding and challenging them to take radical action. Some choose to serve Him, while others reject His invitation, yet all are changed in some way. Take a look:

• Zaccheus, the Jew who works for the Romans as a tax collector, is trying to figure out where he fits. Will anyone accept him?

"And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:9-10

• Annas, the former high priest, is looking to exert power by getting rid of the "trouble maker."

"And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year. Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people." John 18:13-14

compare John 11:49-52. "Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad."

• Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee with a fascination for spiritual matters, wants to preserve his image in front of the people.

"Now King Herod heard of Him, for His name had become well known. And he said, "John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him." Mark 6:14

"Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him. Then he questioned Him with many words, but He answered him nothing. And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Him. Then Herod, with his men of war, treated Him with contempt and mocked Him, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him back to Pilate. That very day Pilate and Herod became friends with each other, for previously they had been at enmity with each other." Luke 23:8-12

"For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done." Acts4:27-28


Quotable. Poetry plays a role in the Bible. Read the Psalms. Charles Williams wrote: "But then poetry can do something that philosophy can not. For poetry, like faith, can look at the back as well as the front of Reason; it can survey Reason all around." "Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation." (Psalm 111:1) "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God." (Psalm 20:7)