But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith… (James 1:5-6a)
Who does not need wisdom? We all do! Wisdom for dealing with issues involving children, grandchildren, sports, career, relationships, health, spouse, siblings, end of life, our nation, the church and life in general.
Jesus’ half-brother James, author of the quote above, was not a disciple of Jesus. The New Testament plainly tells us that. He only realized that his older brother was the promised Messiah and Savior when Jesus revealed Himself to James, and probably His other siblings, after He was resurrected. Can you imagine the shock of seeing his dead brother alive in a glorified, resurrected body? Could you imagine what it would be like to realize your older sibling was God?
James had a lot to ponder after that encounter. As James and his brothers waited in the upper room with the other disciples for the promise of the Father to be poured out at Pentecost, I would imagine they were all praying for wisdom. Therefore, when he tells us to ask for wisdom he speaks from experience.
An amplified version could read, “If anyone falls short of wisdom let him keep asking of God, who has come along side you as the Holy Spirit to help you and gives to all graciously and generously without throwing your past mistakes into your teeth or up in your face. But he must ask believing in God’s beneficent activity and have a personal reliance on Him …”
James tells us not to just ask once but to keep on asking for wisdom from the true God that has come along side us to lead us into all truth, not a distant and uncaring God. Knowing that He is not going to reproach us by reminding us of our past mistakes and failures but will graciously and generously give us the wisdom that we request and need, maybe desperately need.
The only requirement is that we believe that He is the Only One that is truly Good and produces Good, performing acts of kindness and charity for those who rely on Him as their God.
James’ half-brother and Lord, Jesus, said it this way,
Keep asking, and it will be given to you; keep seeking and you will find; keep knocking, and it will be open to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he?
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him! (Matthew 7:7-11)
If you need wisdom, keep asking, keep seeking and keep knocking. Our Father God has promised to answer.
Carl
Psalm 119: 38 