Saturday, February 18, 2017
GOD'S HIDDEN WISDOM--THE GOSPEL (6)
This week we have been contrasting God's wisdom with man's (based on 1 Corinthians 2:6-13). Here's how Dr. Martin Luther expresses it (from "What Luther Says," Vol. II, p. 1455f):
Commenting on Psalm 119:99 ["I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation"], he wrote: "We can find the wisdom of God nowhere but in His Word. Whoever loves and values it and constantly studies it is not only a doctor enlightened by God and an approved man superior to all world-wise and learned people but a judge of all the wisdom and teaching of devils and man."
Commenting on 1 Timothy 1:17 ["Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen."], he wrote: "Those who have the Gospel have the wisdom of God and are wise in and from God. Where you do not find the Word, there God is not present, nor wisdom, but mere folly....Wisdom is in Holy Scripture; it is the Gospel, and it teaches you to know God and the counsel of God in the Son of God, made flesh for you. This wisdom is hidden from the world; faith alone perceives it."
Commenting on Colossians 2:3 ["In (Christ) are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge"], he remarked: "All the wisdom of the world justly retires before the knowledge of Christ. For what is more wonderful than to have a thorough knowledge of Christ? Wonderful and unspeakable is the fact that the Son of God assumed a human nature and so lowered Himself as to be 'found in fashion as a man.'"
So we sing with Luther in his familiar Reformation hymn:
Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word; Curb those who by deceit or sword
Would wrest the kingdom from Your Son And bring to naught all He has done.
Lord Jesus Christ, Your pow'r make known, For You are Lord of lords alone;
Defend Your holy Church that we May sing Your praise eternally.
O Comforter of priceless worth, Send peace and unity on earth;
Support us in our final strife And lead us out of death to life.
(Lutheran Service Book, 655)
