Online Bible Audio/Readings Links (ESV)

3/17 Reading Portions: Exodus 28; John 7:1-52; Proverbs 4; Galatians 3

Listen to the audio devotional above, and/or read the written devotional below.

WISDOM

Wisdom is described in feminine terms because we are to have an intimate, loving relationship with wisdom, just as godly husbands are to love their wives, and more importantly, just as the Lord Jesus Christ loves His bride, the church.

To love gospel wisdom is to love the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, for He is the gospel (John 14:7) and He is wisdom (Jude 1:25). In loving wisdom, we must give ourselves up for her (Eph 5:25), to sanctify wisdom and cleanse her with the washing of water with the Word (Eph 5:26). We do so in order to present all we have done through wisdom, by God’s grace, to exalt Christ; and moreover, so His gospel truth may be manifested in the world without spot or wrinkle, presented before others in holiness and without blemish in Christ (Eph 5:27). It is through gospel wisdom that we may be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, as much as a sinner saved by grace is able (Rom 8:29).

Gospel wisdom is submissive to our wills. Therefore, we must treat her as Christ does the church (Eph 5:22-23). We must be joined to gospel wisdom as one flesh (Eph 5:31), sharing all with her and forsaking all for her, for Christ’s sake and the Father’s glory. When we have done so, we will find that wisdom will respect us (Eph 5:33), not displaying an immodest external show (1 Pet 3:3), but working in all subjection to us (1 Pet 3:1) with an imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God’s sight (1 Pet 3:4).

Yes, love gospel wisdom and she will guard you.

Wisdom is a most cherished grace
Which joins us as one flesh;
We love her and we must embrace
Her work ‘til heaven’s rest.