Scripture for Today: Job 28:20-21a “Where then does wisdom come from?  Where does understanding dwell?  It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing…”

It is that time of year again when many families celebrate the graduation of one of their members.  Our first daughter’s high school graduation was memorable for several reasons.  The graduates of this European Christian school surprised their parents with a rose when leaving the stage.  I was doing great keeping a check on my emotions until then!  After that, the tears flowed.  She was our first to leave the nest and move to the other side of the ocean.

But there was another reason why I remember this graduation from so long ago.  The speaker repeated a phrase over and over; “If you want knowledge, go to college.  If you want wisdom, go to God.”  This simple but profound statement has stayed with me.  In our verse for today Job poses the question as to where wisdom can be found.  This beautiful poetic passage explores the different possibilities.  Job concludes that only God understands the way to wisdom (verse 23).  He ends the discussion with the often repeated truth, “the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom.” (verse 28, Psalm 111:10, Prov. 1:7)

Both my husband and I come from families where higher education is a valued priority.  But as impressive as four doctorates may sound, it all pales in comparison with God’s wisdom.  To know how to choose well and live life with skill is not something learned in a university.  It is learned from God.  It is learned through intentional obedience to His commands and precepts.  David understood that it is God who teaches wisdom (Psalm 51:6).

May I sit at Your feet and learn from You today, Lord.  Make me obedient and wise.

(Look familiar?  This is a re-post from 2014)

Scripture for Today: Mark 12:17 “Then Jesus said to them, ‘Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.’ And they were amazed at Him.”

“In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” (Benjamin Franklin 1789)  Both are thought to be inevitable.  Paying taxes has even crept into our Monopoly game!  But it is no game to wade through our extensive tax law.  The Gettysburg address has 269 words.  The Declaration of Independence contains 1,337 words.  The Bible numbers only 773,000 words.  But our American tax law has grown from 11,400 words in 1913 to 7 million words today!!

Today’s verse is the Lord’s response to a trick question from the Pharisees and Herodians.  They were trying to catch Him in His words (verse 13).  Jesus, knowing their hearts and thoughts, knew their question was insincere and full of hypocrisy.  They had asked if one should pay the imperial tax or not?  Jesus recognizes our obligations to the governing authorities.  At the same time He challenges His listeners with another more lofty obligation; to give to God what is rightfully His.  The simplicity and wisdom in His answer astounded them!

What do I owe God?  His salvation is a gift with no strings attached (Eph. 2:8-9).  But when I accept His gift I want to give to Him.  A tithe is too small.  No amount of money can repay Him for His incredible sacrifice.  A good work here and there at my convenience somehow does not answer.  What I can give back to Him is a love involving my whole heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30).  He has bought all of me at a huge cost to Himself (I Cor. 6:20).  “Jesus paid it all,” and all to Him I owe!

Lord, may I love You today with every fiber of my being!