Jesus offers to all living water, that will become in us “a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The saviour of the world offered that hope to Samaritans, hated by the Jews, and he offers us that same hope. People’s faith in Jesus was rewarded quickly and openly in Jesus’ time, yet we can be sure that our faith will also be rewarded.
So let us “worship the Father in spirit and truth”, and apply our heart to knowledge, that our trust may be in the Lord.
John writes of Jesus, “to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God”. We’ve been offered that right, to be a child of God, which is an incredible act of love and grace. God knows our every thought and action, yet He has offered us “grace upon grace”, to be part of an eternal inheritance.
Solomon writes “even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright”, and the same applies to us. It’s up to us to follow Jesus’ example and be part of the light of this world.
Such a contrast between Numbers and the ritual sacrifices and cleanness that formed a key part of the Law of Moses, and Galatians, where “the righteous shall live by faith”. We’re so blessed to have been offered life through Christ, rather than condemnation under the law, to have an inheritance based on God’s promise.
Solomon writes “whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded”. Knowledge of God is important to appreciate all that He has done for us, and to understand that “we are not children of the slave but of the free woman”, just as the Galatians needed to understand the true gospel.
We have access to the gospel, which is not a fabrication of man, but a divine source of hope and comfort. It’s based on the sacrifice of Christ, “who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age”.
Paul gave up his former way of life, that he might live to God. He could say that he “lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” We have that same hope, and same obligation. As Solomon said, “In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.”
Jesus tells the parable of the “unjust judge”, which is really a parable encouraging us “always to pray and not lose heart.” God is not an unjust judge that ignores our prayers. Instead He wants to have a relationship with us, wants us to communicate regularly with Him and persistent prayer is an important part of that.
The words Solomon wrote are easily applicable to our relationship with God, “be attentive to my words…keep them within your heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.” God’s word and regular prayer help us to run this race, and not lose heart.
Jesus explains to his disciples about forgiveness. It’s an act that requires faith like a grain of mustard seed, an act which we can find difficult, but just like the servant first serving dinner to his master, it’s something that is our duty to do.
Jesus also describes the coming of the kingdom of God. It’s not something we’ll be able to predict, although many will try. We need to be ready at all times, and “trust in the Lord with all your heart”
If we seek wisdom, understanding and insight like they are hidden treasure, then we will “understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” Once we have found that wisdom and knowledge, then Solomon writes that it will watch over us, guarding us and delivering us from the way of evil. We will walk in the way of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous.
We have been offered the true riches, grace and mercy through the work of Christ. Let’s follow the advice of Solomon, seek that treasure with our whole being, serving the master that can offer us eternal life.
Wisdom is personified as someone calling out in the streets, offering knowledge to all. Although rejected by many, she notes “whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”
This is a great gift which we have received. We have been offered heavenly wisdom, and accepted that offer. This doesn’t make us more special than anyone else, but it does give us hope and comfort. “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.” If we are to be wise in heavenly wisdom, then we need to really listen and allow it to affect our lives, to be guided by it.
At various stages in our life, we all can be lost coins or lost sheep. It’s really encouraging to note what Jesus says, “there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The act of returning to God, or of helping one of our peers return to God, results in rejoicing in heaven.