O come, O Wisdom from on high, who ordered all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show and teach us in its ways to go.
Scripture
1 Corinthians 1:21
“For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.”
Reflection
Recently our family’s dog, Oliver, had a bad fall and suffered a back injury. While he may heal in time, it’s possible that he’ll never again run, jump, or play the way he once did. I am still getting over my anger at the Lord over the breaking of something beautiful and innocent (though we know all of creation has been spoiled by sin). As I’ve reflected on God’s wisdom in Christ, who orders and upholds all creation, my heart has softened and my hope has been strengthened. While I still pray that Oliver will be healed, in contemplating a life where he remains broken, my understanding of the wisdom of God is deepening.
God’s healing and restoration has often been compared to the Japanese art of kintsugi, wherein pottery is repaired with precious metals to highlight, rather than disguise, the breakage that has occurred. Often God does restore his children in this world, using our tribulation to build hope and character in a way that strengthens our ministry. Christ, though, was crushed for our iniquities and only in resurrection was he made whole. All of creation is Christ’s to mend or break as he chooses, and because his thoughts are higher than our thoughts, we often won’t understand his plan.
When I consider the wisdom of the cross, it feels less akin to a broken vase mended with gold and more like a broken vase finding new life as a soup bowl. Oliver may never jump and play the way he used to, but if he must be carried like an infant, his affection for us will always be close at hand. We, too, may be broken in ways we struggle to understand; when talents or worldly identities are taken from us, it can be disorienting. How encouraging it is that God has a use for frail vessels like us to carry his precious gospel, and how much greater is His glory when His power is perfected in our weakness.
Prayer
Lord, help us to find comfort in your sovereignty. Even now, your wisdom upholds all of creation, from one breath to the next. When we struggle to find the purpose in your discipline, guide us back to the “foolishness” of your Word as it is preached, for it is the same Word through which all things were made and which shines in our darkest moments, be they ever so prolonged. Even and especially in the dark of night, the heavens declare your glory and the sky proclaims your handiwork. Teach us to look beyond the folly of our own knowledge and to cling to you and you alone.
In Christ,
Aaron Steelman
