More than A Collection of Books 3

In Ezra is the account of King Cyrus’ decree

To build a house for God at Jerusalem

Fulfilling the utterance of Jeremiah’s prophecy

Of the return of the exiles from Babylon.

Nehemiah highlights the rebuilding of the wall

And the registration of Jerusalem’s population,

The religion of Jerusalem is revitalized

As it undergoes a complete reformation.

Esther highlights an historic segment of the Jews

Found no where else in all of Scripture,

Her coming to the kingdom for God’s unique purpose

Improves the Jews’ lot and radically changes the picture.

Job presents a tutorial in patient endurance

As he contends with his friends about his affliction,

Ignorant of God’s permission for Satan to test him

The experience gave him a Divine education.

The Psalms are often called the Psalms of David

But only seventy-three are considered Davidic,

The book may be divided into classifications

Which include History, Prophecy and the Messianic.

Proverbs differentiates between wisdom and folly,

It distinguishes the fool from the wise,

Its wise sayings came from God through Solomon

And such wise counsel we should never despise.

Ecclesiastes highlights the many vanities of life

And supplies instruction for living under the sun,

The foolish have their way and so too the wise

But the wise will be the victor when life’s day is done.

The Song of Solomon is the most exquisite song

And its refrain resounds with the theme of love,

It is said to represent Christ’s love for his church

Though preceding the time of his coming from above.

Stewart Russell © March 2017

In Search of Wisdom

 

 

I went in search of wisdom

Having found there was a need,

Folly had raised its ugly head

Folly had become a creed.

I looked for it in the schools

And a little there I found

But often that was tainted

And sometimes not too sound.

I looked for it at teacher’s college

Certain I would find it there

But there I found a mixture

That didn’t quite relieve my fear.

I sought for it in many books

Both secular and non-secular

But therein were varied opinions

And genuine wisdom barred.

These authors had achieved a lot

And were particularly bright

But seemingly did not know

To wisdom no man has a right.

 

Of course I must differentiate

Between man’s wisdom and God’s

For often what we see on show

Is of Satan who is the fraud.

Such wisdom is really folly

That’s truly in the heart of man

And the path it offers to us

Is contrary to God’s plan.

I tried to find it in the church

Within the comfort of its walls

But church after church I searched

And could not find wisdom at all.

Before you attack my jugular

I’ll explain what I mean by church

I mean the edifice some worship

The saved need not be hurt.

Organization and organism

Are not one and the same,

If your church is the organization

You are likely to feel that pain.

 

 

Wisdom is not found in a building

Be it a church or even a school,

Neither universities nor colleges

Have a claim to this tool.

For a tool in deed it can be

But more important is its source,

If you oppose the Bible

Then you are on the wrong course.

You must have heard of Solomon

About Ecclesiastes and Proverbs

Therein is much about wisdom

You’ll find it in God’s word.

It’s called the principle thing

In Proverbs 4 and verse 7

For wisdom is better than rubies

Look up Proverbs 8 and verse 11.

Flying high you won’t have it

For with the lowly there is wisdom

Read Proverbs 11 and verse 2

Now I’ve spoiled your fun.

Cease from your own wisdom

Counsels Proverbs 23 verse 4

Buy the truth and sell it not

Read verse 23 to see some more.

 

Search the Word of God

And there you will find His wisdom,

Get wisdom and get understanding

It’s available in God’s Son.

Christ is made unto us wisdom

As in 1^st Corinthians 1 verse 30

And to reject his loving offer

Is to display stupendous folly.

I’m no longer in search of wisdom

Since wisdom has rescued me,

Lost I was and in danger

Of eternal misery.

But the Spirit of wisdom found me

For he knew just where to search,

I no longer look for wisdom

I have found it in Christ’s church.

Wisdom indwells the faithful

And directs all who believe,

You must be born again

And this wisdom you will receive.

Are you tired searching for wisdom?

Have you almost given up?

Now, please turn to Jesus

And let him fill your cup.

Stewart Russell © January 2018