I know a very smart man.
In fact, the world measures his IQ at the “Genius” level. Meaning “exceptional — unusual, remarkable — intellectual power or ability.
I often marvel at the vast array of data tidbits he can draw up from the well of his memory. I have joked — in a “dead serious” way 🙂 — that, if I were ever playing the game of Trivial Pursuit, I would want him on my team. The other team wouldn’t have a chance!!!
But, worldly wisdom alone is not really wisdom at all… is it, Lord?
“For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.” (1 Corinthians 1:25)
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Psalm 111:10)
My friend doesn’t know You, Lord… yet. I say “yet” with great Hope. Because even the thief on the cross, dying next to You as You died on Your cross, turned to You in his last moments on Earth… with Hope.
“‘Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Truly, I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise.'” (Luke 23:42-43)
My friend seems to have “settled” the question of You in his mind, Lord… choosing, instead, to rely on the power of his own intellect to explain the universe and his place in it.
Perhaps his wealth is also a hindrance. He has all the money he could ever “need” to buy all the things he could ever want. He is financially secure, and has acquired many “treasures” during his travels around the world. Yet he lacks the most priceless Treasure — the Gift of Yourself, offered to him as a Free Gift.
“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36)
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
My friend is thirteen years older than me. He recently used a familiar old expression with me when he was commenting on the circumstances in his life. He said, “Well, it beats the alternative.” Really? Not so for Your people, Lord! The alternative — eternity with You — will be so much better than the very best day possible this side of Heaven!!!
So I know — perhaps even better than he — that there is no time like the present for him to begin seeking You.
“Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near…” (Isaiah 55:6)
“… [because] man is destined to live once and after that to face judgment…” (Hebrews 9:27)
My friend was recently diagnosed with macular degeneration. His treatment begins immediately. As a voracious reader who also loves to behold the beauty of Nature, the potential threat of blindness has rocked him to the core.
He doesn’t realize how blind he already is.
“Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world… Jesus said, ‘For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.'” (John 9:4b-5,39)
Perhaps on this next journey, where his powerful intellect has no power to rescue him, he will turn at last to You, Lord — The Almighty.
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1-2)
The time for trivial pursuits will soon be over. The time for Significant Pursuits is now.
“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now I’m found; was blind, but now I see.” (Hymn, “Amazing Grace,” by John Newton)
Lifting my friend to You in prayer, Lord…
Remaining ever hope-full…
Abba’s Girl