“For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
“Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?”
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:33-36)
All Wise and Knowing Father, help us as we read your Word. We confess that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. (Proverbs 9) Amen.
Scripture Reading - Mark 6:1-13 (ESV)
He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.
Lord Jesus, we confess that you are the the power of God and the wisdom of God. You became to us wisdom from God so that we boast only in you for our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption! For we know that the word of the cross is folly to those perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God! (1 Corinthians 1:18, 24, 30)
And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief.
And he went about among the villages teaching. And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics.
And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.”
So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent. And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.
Forgive us for when we have felt secure in our own sin, thinking "No one sees me." Our human wisdom led us astray and we said in our hearts, "I am and there is no one besides me." (Isaiah 47:10) Forgive us for our earthly, unspiritual, demonic wisdom which leads to bitter jealousy and selfish ambition. (James 3:14-16)
Oh Righteous Branch of Jesse, you who delight in fearing the LORD, the prophets tell us that the Spirit of the LORD rests upon you - the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. (Isaiah 11, Jeremiah 23:5) Help us, Wise Counselor, to gain heavenly wisdom - pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. (James 3:17) May we sow a harvest of righteousness by this wisdom that comes from above! Amen.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
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