The Wisdom in the Incarnation

Our lives are largely defined by who we trust. And in our world, we are given no end of options from which to choose. Will it be parents, friends, spouses, children, fans, followers or experts? Everyone is picking one of them every day. 

But wisdom is found when we remember that God came down. He both formed us and lived among us. And Proverbs 30 invites us to examine the resume of Christ when examining who we trust. 

Proverbs 30:4 (ESV) Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son’s name? Surely you know!

Even in the book of Proverbs, the incarnation was foretold. Who is the one who holds the winds and waters in his hand? Who is the one who began the Earth? God. And the first question and last refer to the Son who would ascend to heaven and come down with the power of the Spirit to ignite the church. 

Proverbs 30:5–6 (ESV) Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. 6 Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.

I love the promises of God's Word here in these verses. The word proves true. That means it must be tested in our lives. No, this is not putting God to the test, this is trusting God with our lives. Our hope must be firmly fixed on His truthfulness in action if we are to experience its reputability. The question is simple - are you trusting God in that area right now? Or are you trusting the friend, the expert, the parent or the child? Even regarding our money, God says, "test me in the tithe" in order to see what He is willing and able to do.

Proverbs 30:7–9 (ESV) Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die: 8 Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, 9 lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the LORD?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.

Imagine only asking God for two things. Here the writer of wisdom does not ask for riches. He also asks that no poverty be given to him. He asks for what he needs. And he knows that his heart will be best if that is the case. How often do we fail to receive this in practicality? We want our entire future handed to us now so we don't have to worry. I think that desire testifies to our wayward tendencies which cause us to strive endlessly for life on our own terms.

This is wisdom, and we only gain it when we truly live it - that relying on God is the only way to live. 

And this is why the incarnation is so important to our faith. Who has ascended and come down to Earth? Jesus. He is also the one who told us not to worry for God clothes the grass and He will clothe you. He will never let you go and He is faithful. Moreover, Jesus has been where we are. Maybe even below where you are. He was born in poverty, never rich in finances but empowered by the Spirit, He walked in the love of the Father and exhibited the strength God's acceptance provides in the midst of a hostile world. In other words, He's been there, done that and He's well aware that things will work out for us because He's experienced it personally.