The Stirring of Wisdom (Just A Minute #107)
And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it: (Exodus 36:2)
When God gives a man or woman wisdom, the inevitable result is a stirring of the heart. After the heart is stirred, action will follow.
From a human standpoint, wisdom starts with a proper fear of God. But ultimately it is a divine gift. In a somewhat enigmatic sequence, the Lord looks for wise hearted children, and gives them wisdom! James simply describes it as an answer to prayer.
Apparently, Bezaleel and Aholiab had seen the mighty works of God in rescuing them from powerful Pharoah, and feared Him with reverence and awe. Their hearts responded to His goodness and mercy with a desire to serve Him with their talents and energy. The Spirit of Jehovah zeroed in on that holy availability and poured into them a generous measure of wisdom--that which Solomon labels, "the principal thing."
These two Israelites came up with exactly the beauty and majestic decor that God wanted for the tabernacle. Their minds designed in time what their Lord decided in eternity. Their hands moved with a skill that produced a masterpiece for His glory. The powerful stirring of the Lord's wisdom led them to create a jewel in the desert, a structure that for its time appropriately represented the dwelling place of God among His people.
Nothing stirs a believer like true wisdom. But to discern the proper direction and have the faith to step forward correctly is not as common as one might think. Mere intelligence does not qualify. There are plenty of brilliant people who are slaves to habits they know are killing them. And of course, an energetic personality does not make the cut either. Both business and ministry worlds are full of dynamic leaders who make foolish mistakes.
Wisdom is an eternal characteristic of God, perfectly displayed in the Person of Jesus Christ. He was never puzzled by circumstances and was always in complete control, so fully wise that the Holy Spirit identifies Him as the very "Wisdom of God". It should not surprise us then that He was continually stirred to righteous action of one kind or another.
Laziness is never associated with wisdom. The man or woman who receives wisdom from the Spirit of God will be neither inactive nor passive. Abraham will see Lot's desperate need and march. Jochebed will face the danger and hide the baby. Ruth will understand the issue and follow after Naomi and the God of Israel. David will hear the giant and look for stones. Daniel will read the decree and kneel at the window.
Do I long to be useful in God's service? How about you? If so, then what we need is to be stirred by His wisdom. According to James 1:5, one simple way to get it is to ask for it.
Dear Father, please give me wisdom. I want and need the wisdom that stirs a soul to action in Your unstoppable kingdom work. Help me distinguish between my plans and Yours, my energy and Your power.
Andy