Wisdom’s Invitation
|
Key Verse: “Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?” Selected Scripture: |
OUR KEY VERSE OF THIS lesson affirms that wisdom has personal qualities such as intelligence, and the ability to cry out, or speak in an authoritative manner. In succeeding verses, the nature of wisdom’s exhortation is for men to hearken to an invitation for instruction in righteousness. (Prov. 8:2-8) A striking similarity exists between the foregoing expressions and words spoken by Christ, who personifies wisdom. The offer of discipleship was made to those who would accept Jesus during his earthly ministry. Following his crucifixion and resurrection, the Holy Spirit was sent to consecrated believers on the Day of Pentecost. (John 7:37-39) Throughout this Gospel Age, God has been selecting devoted Christians to be a part of Jesus’ bride, who will be united with him in heavenly glory during God’s kingdom.
Peace, joy and everlasting life on earth will be the portion for all obedient members of the human family who respond favorably to the invitation that will be offered to mankind at that time. “The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”—Rev. 22:17
Another important teaching is contained in a reference to the prehuman condition of Jesus, when he was associated with his Father before the six days of creative works, described in Genesis, commenced. “The Lord possessed [created, see Strong’s Bible Concordance, #7069] me (Wisdom) in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.” (Prov. 8:22) This text confirms that Jesus was a created being and, therefore, there was a time when he did not exist, demonstrating Jesus is not equal to God.
The New Testament also affirms the Son to be a created being as the firstborn of every creature, and the active agent in bringing into existence everything else, which was “created by him, and for him.” (Col. 1:15,16) It is for this reason Wisdom can attest to being present when the clouds were formed, when fountains and springs gushed forth, and when the boundaries of the oceans were determined. Additionally, he was there when the foundations of the earth were made. “When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth.”—Prov. 8:27-29
We may be certain Wisdom rejoiced with the Heavenly Father in the privilege of bringing into being the human creation on the sixth day. (Gen. 1:26,31) Many years after sin and death entered into the world through the disobedience of Adam and Eve, Wisdom was manifested in the flesh by giving his life to become man’s Redeemer. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb. 12:2) We should be ever thankful for this wonderful provision that will result in the restoration of earthly life to the obedient members of the human family in God’s kingdom, and a heavenly resurrection to those who faithfully follow the Master during this present Gospel Age.—Rom. 2:6,7