August 13
Neh 5:14-7:72 | PS 33:1-11 | Prov 21:8-10| 1 Cor 8:1-13
Daniel prophesied of our times in Daniel 12:4, "But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” There certainly is no shortage of knowledge. Everyone now goes to college. Everyone is glued to their social media to pick up quick nuggets of "knowledge". But what is sorely lacking is wisdom, discernment, and love. As a physician I have seen this first hand. That old Norman Rockwell scene with the physician holding the hand of the patient has been replaced by the physician armed with the latest guideline and protocol. Emotion has evaporated, the human touch has been largely decreased by a computer interface. But this is not unique to my profession, as teachers tell me that they have largely replaced their individualized teaching to frequent testing and heavy overreach on the part of the ones in charge of education. Even sadly, I had a patient who was beyond herself over a condition which really wasn't dangerous to her pregnancy, as she must have quoted what she read on Google over a dozen times.
We read in 1 Corinthians 8:1-3, "Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him." Yes, knowledge puffs up. It is lifted up everywhere in our world and idolized. Yet knowledge in itself accomplishes very little. Even Biblical knowledge if not utilized to move forward in love accomplishes very little. There is nothing wrong with knowledge, but it is a tool. It is just one of many things that assists one in being God's messenger, His ambassador, His vessel in an otherwise lost world. Knowledge should not be our quest. Coming into a relationship with the Savior of the world, then moving forward in His strength should be our desire. Jesus Christ embodied love, a love beyond what we are capable of, but a love that we should emulate. He is omniscient, or all-knowing, but He did not use His knowledge to impress the populace. His knowledge was used to move forward in love and truth.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: