Tag Archives: Divine Wisdom

Prophetic Symbolism

Grace of the Plumb

“For who has despised the day of small things? For these seven rejoice to see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of the LORD, which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth.” — Zechariah 4:10 (AMP)

Beloved, the Lord teaches us not to scorn small beginnings, for what seems insignificant in human eyes is often the foundation of His greatest works. Zerubbabel’s temple, modest compared to Solomon’s, began with a single plumb line in his hand. Yet, this was no ordinary moment—it was the fulfillment of divine purpose and the grace of the plumb. The “seven eyes of the LORD” represent His perfect wisdom and vigilant care, watching over every step of the process. God rejoices in the faithful work of His servants, no matter how small, because every act of obedience moves His plan forward.

The plumb line, a tool for alignment and accuracy, reflects the Lord’s commitment to precision and righteousness in His work. The construction of Zerubbabel’s temple serves as a profound image of God’s spiritual work in His people. Just as the plumb line ensures a building’s integrity, so does God’s Word and Spirit align our lives with His holiness. “I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plummet,” says the Lord (Isaiah 28:17, AMP). Anything that is misaligned must be corrected, for the temple of the Lord must be perfect and unshakable by the grace of the plumb.

Consider this: the “day of small things” is not a day of insignificance, but of preparation. When the people saw the beginning of the temple, they lamented its simplicity, forgetting that the Lord often uses what is small to confound the mighty. He chose David, the youngest of his brothers, to slay the giant. He took a small band of disciples to change the world. “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong” (1 Corinthians 1:27, AMP). The plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand is a symbol of this divine paradox: what starts small in the hands of man is mighty when guided by the hand of God.

The seven eyes of the Lord, scanning to and fro throughout the earth, remind us of His sovereignty and omnipresence. Nothing escapes His gaze; every stone, every line, every effort is seen and judged by Him. This is both a comfort and a challenge, for He rejoices in faithfulness but removes anything unworthy of His temple. “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that continues to bear fruit, He repeatedly prunes so that it will bear more fruit” (John 15:2, AMP). The pruning and alignment may be painful, but they are necessary for the completion of His work.

Jesus, the true Master Builder, is the fulfillment of Zerubbabel’s work. He is the cornerstone, chosen and precious, upon whom the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord (1 Peter 2:6, Ephesians 2:20-21, AMP). He holds the plumb line of righteousness in His hand, and He will not rest until the capstone is laid with shouts of grace and glory. The grace of the plumb is evident in His work. The Lord’s pleasure prospers in His hand, and He will not fail (Isaiah 53:10).

Let this truth encourage your heart: the work He has begun in you, though it may seem small, is being carefully constructed by His wisdom and power. He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6, AMP). Trust in His process. Submit to His plumb line, and rejoice in the grace of the plumb, for His hand will bring all things into perfect alignment.

O Lord Jesus, the true Builder and Redeemer, we praise You for Your faithfulness to complete what You have started. Align our hearts and lives with Your righteousness, remove what is misaligned, and strengthen us to trust in Your perfect timing. May we see Your work rise in glory, as every stone is set in place to reflect Your majesty. Amen.

Go Deep

Spiritual

Spiritual Perception and Understanding: Hearing the Call of the Spirit

In our journey of faith, God calls us to grow into a deeper level of awareness, to perceive and understand the spiritual realities around us. Spiritual perception and understanding are deeply intertwined, guiding our actions, affirming our faith, and revealing God’s truth.

The Importance of Spiritual Perception

Spiritual perception, as illustrated throughout Scripture, is a vital tool for discerning God’s will and the spiritual dynamics at play. In Joshua 22:31, Phinehas perceives the true intentions behind the tribes’ actions, averting conflict. Similarly, Eli perceives God’s call to Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:8, guiding him to respond appropriately. David, in 2 Samuel 5:12 and 1 Chronicles 14:2, perceives God’s hand in his kingship, strengthening his faith and leadership.

Jesus demonstrated divine perception in Mark 2:8 and Luke 5:22, understanding the thoughts of those around Him. This insight is a call for us to seek deeper spiritual awareness. The centurion’s recognition of Jesus’ righteousness at the crucifixion (Luke 23:47) and the Samaritan woman’s recognition of Jesus as a prophet (John 4:19) show how spiritual perception can lead to transformative encounters with God.

The Role of Spiritual Understanding

Spiritual understanding complements perception, enabling us to act wisely and align our lives with God’s will. Exodus 31:3 and Exodus 35:31 highlight how God fills individuals with wisdom and understanding for His purposes. In 1 Kings 3:9, Solomon asks for an understanding heart to govern God’s people, and in 1 Chronicles 12:32, the men of Issachar are noted for their understanding of the times.

Proverbs repeatedly emphasizes the value of understanding. Proverbs 4:7 states, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” This pursuit of understanding leads to a life that reflects God’s wisdom and grace.

Hearing from God: The Need for Clarity

When the Lord speaks to us, we must believe Him and what He says. It can sometimes be overwhelming, so we must pray for clarity. We should consider in our spirit whether the message is consistent with Scripture, if it glorifies God, and whether it promotes love and edification. Additionally, we must reflect on whether the message aligns with God’s purpose for our lives and if it fits into His timing. Some words are for now, some are about the past, and some are for the future – clarity is essential for discerning God’s will and applying His guidance to our lives. As Nehemiah 8:12 describes, the people rejoiced greatly because they understood the words declared to them. Understanding brings joy and direction, helping us navigate the overwhelming nature of divine revelations and ensuring we live according to His will.

Spiritual Perception and Understanding in the New Testament

The New Testament continues this theme, calling believers to perceive and understand spiritual truths. In Matthew 13:11, Jesus explains that the mysteries of the kingdom are given to those with spiritual perception. Acts 10:34 records Peter’s realization that God shows no favoritism, expanding his understanding of God’s inclusive love.

Paul’s letters often pray for believers to grow in understanding. In Ephesians 3:18, he desires that they grasp the breadth, length, height, and depth of Christ’s love. Colossians 1:9 expresses a prayer for believers to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

A Call to Action

As followers of Christ, we are called to hear the call of the Spirit and respond, expanding our spiritual perception and understanding. This heightened awareness and insight are crucial for navigating the complexities of life and fulfilling our God-given purpose.

Proverbs 3:13 reminds us, “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding.” Let us seek God’s wisdom and understanding with all our hearts, allowing His Spirit to guide us into deeper truths. As we grow in spiritual perception and understanding, we will be better equipped to serve Him and advance His kingdom on earth.

In this new season, may we echo the prayer of Psalm 119:34, “Give me understanding, that I may keep Your law and observe it with my whole heart.” Let us embrace the call to hear the Spirit, perceiving and understanding the spiritual realities around us, and living out our faith with renewed vigor and purpose.

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Father, Grace, Jesus, Love, Qualities

God’s Attributes: Understanding His Divine Qualities

One of the most emphasized qualities of God in the New Testament is His love. The apostle John profoundly states, “God is love” (1 John 4:8, AMP), highlighting that love is not merely an action of God but His very essence. This divine love is vividly demonstrated in John 3:16: “For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” These scriptures emphasize God’s attributes of love and compassion.

The Faithfulness of God

God’s faithfulness is a cornerstone of His relationship with His people. He is unwavering and reliable, always keeping His promises. In 1 Corinthians 1:9, Paul assures believers, “God is faithful [He is reliable, trustworthy and ever true to His promise—He can be depended on]; through Him you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” Similarly, 2 Thessalonians 3:3 confirms, “But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” The faithfulness of God is one of His key attributes that provides us with security and hope.

God’s Omnipotence

God’s omnipotence, or His ability to do all things, is a testament to His supreme power. This is clearly affirmed in Ephesians 3:20: “Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us.” Furthermore, Jeremiah 32:17 declares, “Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too difficult or too wonderful for You.” This omnipotence is a defining attribute of God’s nature.

The Truthfulness of God

God’s truthfulness assures us that He is the ultimate source of truth and His word is reliable. Jesus Himself proclaims in John 14:6, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” Additionally, in Titus 1:2, Paul writes, “In the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before the ages began.” This commitment to truth is one of the attributes of God that grounds our faith.

God’s Sovereignty

God’s sovereignty indicates His supreme authority and control over all creation. Psalm 103:19 states, “The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all.” Similarly, Romans 8:28 assures us of God’s sovereign work in our lives: “And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” Recognizing God’s sovereignty helps us trust in His perfect plan.

The Mercy of God

God’s mercy is His compassion and forgiveness toward us, despite our shortcomings. Ephesians 2:4–5 highlights this attribute: “But God, being [so very] rich in mercy, because of His great and wonderful love with which He loved us, even when we were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of our sins, He made us [spiritually] alive together with Christ.” Additionally, Lamentations 3:22–23 reminds us, “It is because of the Lord’s lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, Because His [tender] compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness.” God’s mercy is a profound attribute that offers us continual grace.

The Justice of God

God’s justice ensures that He is fair and righteous in all His ways. Deuteronomy 32:4 proclaims, “He is the Rock, His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without iniquity (injustice), Just and upright is He.” Moreover, Psalm 9:8 says, “And He will judge the world in righteousness; He will execute judgment for the peoples with equity.” This justice is one of the attributes of God that assures us of His righteous nature.

The Holiness of God

God’s holiness sets Him apart from all creation, signifying His purity and moral perfection. Isaiah 6:3 declares, “And one called out to another, saying, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is filled with His glory.’” In the New Testament, 1 Peter 1:16 echoes this, stating, “Because it is written, ‘You shall be holy (set apart), for I am holy.’” God’s holiness is a fundamental attribute that demands our reverence.

The Grace of God

God’s grace is His unmerited favor toward humanity. Ephesians 2:8–9 emphasizes, “For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God.” Moreover, 2 Corinthians 12:9 affirms, “But He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.’” God’s grace is a vital attribute that enriches our lives.

God’s Omnipresence

God’s omnipresence signifies that He is present everywhere at all times. Psalm 139:7–10 beautifully illustrates this: “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me.” Jeremiah 23:24 also affirms, “‘Can a man hide himself in hiding places So that I do not see him?’ declares the Lord. ‘Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?’ declares the Lord.” Recognizing God’s omnipresence assures us of His constant companionship.

God’s Omniscience

God’s omniscience denotes His all-knowing nature. Psalm 147:5 proclaims, “Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite.” Likewise, 1 John 3:20 reassures us, “Whenever our heart convicts us [in guilt]; for God is greater than our heart, and He knows all things [nothing is hidden from Him because we are in His hands].” This omniscience is an attribute of God that provides us with confidence in His perfect wisdom.

God’s Omnipotence

God’s omnipotence, His all-powerful nature, is evident throughout Scripture. Revelation 19:6 declares, “Then I heard something like the shout of a vast multitude, and like the boom of many pounding waves, and like the roar of mighty peals of thunder, saying, ‘Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, the Omnipotent, the Ruler of all reigns.’” Similarly, Jeremiah 32:17 acknowledges, “Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too difficult or too wonderful for You.” God’s omnipotence is a key attribute that underscores His unlimited power.

The Immutability of God

God’s immutability means He is unchanging in His nature, character, and promises. Malachi 3:6 states, “For I am the Lord, I do not change [but remain faithful to My covenant with you]; That is why you, O sons of Jacob, have not come to an end.” Hebrews 13:8 reinforces this, “Jesus Christ is [eternally changeless, always] the same yesterday and today and forever.” The immutability of God is a reassuring attribute that provides stability in our faith.

God’s Wisdom

God’s wisdom is perfect and unparalleled. Romans 16:27 praises, “To the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forevermore! Amen.” Proverbs 3:19 also reflects this attribute: “The Lord by His wisdom has founded the earth; By His understanding He has established the heavens.” The wisdom of God is an attribute that guides us in all aspects of life.

As we contemplate the boundless love, faithfulness, power, and wisdom of God, let us be moved to rededicate our lives to Him. Our God, who is eternally unchanging and omnipresent, calls us into a deeper relationship with Him, promising never to leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). His truth stands firm in a world of uncertainty, and His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Let us respond to His sovereign grace and love by committing our hearts wholly to Him, trusting in His perfect plans and purposes for our lives (Romans 8:28). May we live as reflections of His holiness and righteousness, proclaiming His excellencies to the world (1 Peter 2:9). In this renewed dedication, we find our true purpose and joy, knowing that we are

His beloved, chosen, and cherished people. Amen.

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