July 9, 2024 -- Proverbs 9:1-4a -- Jesus is Wisdom Personified

PEOPLE LOVED BY THE FATHER, IN THE SPIRIT’S POWER: SH’MA ~ HEAR AND OBEY JESUS!

Wisdom has built her house;
    she has hewn her seven pillars.
2 She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine;
    she has also set her table.
3 She has sent out her young women to call
    from the highest places in the town,
4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
Proverbs 9:1-4a ESV

Wisdom has set her table. That phrase stood out to me today. Think of all the times God spread a table for His people. During the Exodus, all through Israel’s wilderness journey, God provided mana and water. God the Faithful One, when His people complained expressing their longing for meat, He spread a table of quail. In Psalm 23 it is the Good Shepherd Who prepares a table for for His weary sheep, this He does in the presence of all the enemies. Jesus is wisdom incarnate. He fed the 5,000. He healed the sick. He proved He is the shelter for all who seek refuge in Him. All the Proverbs point to Him, encouraging people to seek Him as the treasure above all earthly treasures.

Now, consider the Lord’s Supper table. At that feast believers eat and drink and become wise. The wanderer returns home. The sinner is confronted with mercy that is abundant. Jesus is wisdom for His people. He is life. He invites believers to eat and drink until He returns again in glory. The seven pillars in Proverbs might well be pointing out the perfections of the new heavens and new earth where God's people will live secure forever. Whenever believers eat and drink at the Lord's Supper table, there is the anticipation of Jesus' return in glory.

Wisdom hews out seven pillars. Her house is strong. The house is large. The house she builds accommodates all whom the Father will draw unto Himself. When I read these opening verses of Proverbs 9, I am reminded of Jesus’ parables where a feast is spread and people are invited to come. Some reject the invitation. But the poor, the needy, those considered unworthy by society’s standards all are drawn into His safe, strong home and fed.

Father in heaven thank You for the banquet You have prepared for Your people. Thank You for new life given in Jesus Christ. Thank You that You have chosen the weak, the poor, the people who are not, in order that the Light and Glory of Christ might shine out with greater magnificence. Spirit of the Living God, restore to us the joy of Your salvation. Renew in us such a depth of gratitude for all the benefits divine which we in Christ possess. Forgive us our sins. Forgive us for the times we have known the good we ought to do and have left it undone. Forgive us for the waywardness of our hearts. Triune God, You know the depths of our need for You, increase our faith and strengthen us for holy service. Amen.

https://youtu.be/q25xEFyTHFY?si=lAbD9UUl7JlljMy- Psalm 23

Copyright © 2024 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.