THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. Proverbs 9:10

Solomon, in all his glory and with all his wisdom bestowed upon him by God, could never come close to matching the wisdom of Jesus Christ (Matt 12:42). Jesus was wiser than all men because there was no one who ever feared the LORD like Jesus Christ.

The “fear of the LORD” is a mysterious term; one I don’t believe is as simply defined as some may suggest. The Hebrew word for fear used here can mean deep devotional reverence and can also mean to be dreadfully afraid or frightened. Without the fear of the LORD there can be no wisdom because wisdom begins with this godly fear. Insights into and understanding of the fear of the LORD is elusive because it cannot be forced, manufactured or manipulated into existence. It is a grace of God. Yet, this grace, like other graces such as love, faith, and repentance, may grow and be strengthened as we mature as believers. How so? By knowledge of the Holy One. There was no person on the planet more intimately knowledgeable of the heavenly Father than the Lord Jesus. Of their relationship, John says Jesus was “in the bosom of the Father” (John 1:18, KJV). As a Man, Christ’s relationship with the Father gave Him eternal insights into and understanding of the Father’s nature and character; and through the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, Christ’s knowledge was more than an intellectual ascent to the facts. The triune fellowship was deep, wide, high and eternal.

Although we are to ask God for wisdom; and though He will give it generously to us (Jas 1:5), we must ask in unwavering faith (Jas 1:6). In other words, we must ask according to steadfast and intimate knowledge of Christ. Jesus is the Holy One of Israel whom we must know. True insights into His person and work beget godly fear. This fear is the beginning of wisdom.

If we want wisdom, we must ask
Of God in holy truth;
By knowing Christ with faith steadfast
Will godly fear ensue.

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Today's M'Cheyne Reading Schedule: 3/22 - Ex 33; John 12; Prov 9; Eph 2

If you don’t have one, get a free PDF copy of Robert Murray M’Cheyne’s “Daily Bread” Bible Reading Calendar by Clicking Here.

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Jon Cardwell writes devotional thoughts like the one above & sends them via email daily (except Sunday). Go to www.calvarybaptistninilchik.com/devotionals.html or click the optional weblink below.

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