PRAYER + PRAISE
Wisdom is justified by her children
- Adam Cole // September 12, 0110
“But to what shall I liken this generation?” —Matthew 11:16
Choosing Christ is a step in faith but also a step in truth, a truth that is unshakable.
In a moment where Jesus gets in alive in the spirit about his beloved John the Baptist, crying out to the gathered crowd about John’s resemblance to Elijah yet was mocked and imprisoned, Jesus explains about the world’s whimsical attitudes.
He likens the generation’s demeanor to games the children would play, sort of theatrical charades where the children would pretend to be at a wedding/festival celebration where some would play on a flute and the other children would dance; likewise, children would pretend to be at a funeral, mourning and lamenting.
But the generation at that time did not dance or mourn in response to the theatrics…they did not correct their hearts to the repentance that John preached and to the message of salvation that Jesus proclaimed. Instead they turned on both of them, identifying Jesus and John with characteristics that were way out of line with their true character.
Thus, it was clear that the people didn’t want to seek truth but merely cast out those that were doing as such.
Jesus ends this moment with these words: But wisdom is justified by her children.”
It is a call to the wisdom of the Spirit, brought forth only through faith in the One who left His Spirit with us. By accepting Christ, we become the children of God. Our faith no matter the circumstance, our works and good deeds, our love for the world…this is the fruit that produces that justification.
Jesus’ words to that generation still apply to ours, to non-believers and believers. We cannot create our own truth. We cannot construct Jesus to fit the lifestyle that gives us comfort and pleasure.
Indeed, what can we liken this generation? Is each of us ready to ‘dance’ in the way that Christ has called us to, to love one another, to uplift the poor, to share His truth to a dying world? May His Spirit in each of us provide the wisdom to ‘justify’ that question.
Praise: That Christ is the truth to guide our lives.
Prayer: That we seek Him and respond.
Prayer for Today: Lord, we thank You for today, as every day. We thank You that You gave us a path that we could follow—and You elected us to follow that path. We know that people before us looked at You and scoffed, choosing to attack You than believe in what You had to say. We give our hearts and lives to You. May we follow in the way You have called, today, tomorrow, and years beyond, until we meet You in heaven. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.