Readings: Ezekiel 2:2-5; Psalm 123; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Mark 6:1-6.
We are grateful for every grace and blessing we have received from God.
The Gospel of today warns us against allowing familiarity with sacred persons, places and things to tempt us to contempt. It also reveals to us how lack of faith can become an obstacle to our blessings and our experience of God’s power.
Having said that, today, I want to preach on something different, I want to reflect on the gift of WOW (Words Of Wisdom).
Jesus spoke in the synagogue of His hometown and He “wowed” the people. The question on their lips was, “Where did the man get all this?” It was definitely a manifestation of the gift of words of wisdom.
Words of wisdom is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit according to 1 Corinthians 12:8.
The gift of words of wisdom enables us to be able to speak words that are apt, edifying, sensible, appropriate for the season, words that give insight, words that are profound and thought-provoking. It is speaking the mind of God on a matter. It is communicating God’s wisdom in a situation.
Have you ever or do you sometimes find yourself in a situation where you don’t know the right thing to say, the right answer or the response to give? Do you often say something and later regret saying it or the way you said it? Are you often only able to think of a good response to someone hours after the incident?
If yes, journey with me as we reflect on words of wisdom. I will mention five areas where we need this gift.
I. When responding to criticism, opposition or allegation:
Sometimes we are so nervous, angry, upset or mentally disturbed that we don’t know how to respond when criticised. We need words of wisdom to respond adequately to criticisms and allegations.
In the Bible, we see how Jesus often responded to opposition with words of wisdom that left His opponents confounded. Peter was accused of mingling with Gentiles, yet he answered so calmly and wisely that his accusers were silenced (Acts 11:1-18).
II. When having an argument:
Many of us have had arguments and always find ourselves arguing with others, especially about our faith, doctrines, values etc. A good example here is Stephen in Acts 6:8-7:1-53. He spoke words of wisdom that his opponents could not argue against or debunk. We need words of wisdom when in a debate or argument.
III. When we need to counsel someone:
Sometimes we are wondering how do I counsel this person? What will I say in this situation and then we open our mouths and the words begin to flow. This is the manifestation of the gift of words of wisdom. We all need words of wisdom in order to give people the right advice and to guide them wisely.
Joseph advised Pharaoh with words of wisdom in Genesis 41:1-36, especially verses 33-36
IV. When dealing with a difficult matter:
This gift enables us to speak words that will give a new perspective on a matter, a fresh insight into an issue, words that are very reasonable and provide the desired solution, e.g. Acts 15:13-22 (James proffered a sound solution to the issue of circumcision).
V. When explaining or teaching a subject matter:
Words of wisdom enable us to connect with and touch the hearts of our listeners, to motivate them, provoke their thoughts and propel them to act based on what we have said.
An example is Jesus in today’s Gospel. With words of wisdom, He charged and challenged all His listeners and they were cut to the heart.
How can we obtain WOW?
Let me mention three ways:
A. By openness and attentiveness to the Holy Spirit:
He is the giver of words of wisdom and when we become intimate with the Spirit of God, He gives us wise utterances according to the mind of God, words direct from the inexhaustible fount of wisdom (Luke 12:11-12).
B. By familiarity with the Word of God:
The Word of God purifies our thoughts and words and grants us wisdom in our utterances (Psalm 19:7). When we know the Scriptures, it makes our words wiser and weighty.
C. By praying for it in every situation:
We can ask the Lord to give us what to say in every situation – this is called the word for the season.
In the First Reading, the Lord says He will give words to His prophets, words to convict the hearts of rebellious people. We read in Proverbs 2:6: “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Let us pray
Lord Jesus, just as you taught in the synagogue to the utter amazement of your listeners, sanctify our words, give us the gift of wise utterances, so that our words may edify our listeners, clarify confusing matters, rectify issues, pacify the troubled, justify our faith and glorify your name.
Sermon preached by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Baraka-Gukena Okami on July 7, 2024.