K.A. Ellis always assumed that if she asked God for wisdom, He would supernaturally impart it as He did for Solomon. It wasn’t until she found herself curled up in a ball on the bed with tears streaming down her face over an impossible dilemma, that she realized God works out wisdom for us in real time by giving us His Word, His Holy Spirit, and then real-life situations where we can exercise our muscles of discernment. In today’s reflection, K.A. Ellis reflects on the safety and rest we can find when we take up residence in Wisdom’s house. It’s a joy to welcome Ms. Ellis onto my porch today…
“Get Wisdom, get understanding. “
To become wise, we must respond to Wisdom’s call—to dwell in Wisdom’s house.
Proverbs is full of practical wisdom on everyday living. and Scripture teaches that Christ Himself is our wisdom—our way back to understanding how to build and live as the Architect intended. Those who meditate on the wisdom of Christ will find themselves living in Wisdom’s house once again.
And Wisdom is not looking for just a temporary visit from those she has called. She wants all who come through the door to take up permanent residence.
Once we set foot onto the threshold of Wisdom’s house, a whole new world lies before us.
Like Dorothy opening the door from Kansas to Oz, the world we are about to enter will be drastically different from the one we knew as fools. We raise a hesitant fist; when she called aloud from the high points of the cities.
Did Wisdom really mean me? Her call was irresistible, but was it really for foolish little me?
Even before our fist raps the door, it opens.
Wisdom has been waiting for us.
Her hand reaches out to welcome us in like the father who ran to the prodigal, so glad is she to see us turn her way. The warm hand of help, truth, sincerity, and security takes us by the arm and guides us in.
Those who meditate on the wisdom of Christ will find themselves living in Wisdom’s house once again.
Stepping through Wisdom’s door may feel like walking into a foreign land, stepping from the chaotic and clanging streets of folly to a wonderland of peace, justice, and order.
What is this place? So different from the one we tolerate across the street! Is this the transition from the old man to the new? Is the threshold the margin between death and life?
At the same time, the new and unfamiliar world feels like coming Home: the capital H Home; Home to the conditions for which we were made.
Once inside, Wisdom’s door closes with a rich, velvet, and satisfying click of the latch. Security at last.
Wisdom offers us a tour.
She introduces us to her maids, symbolizing worshipful service, cooperation, and simultaneous unity and diversity we see in the character of the Trinity. The way that the body of Christ should operate on earth, unified in mission and purpose, and in the object of their adoration.
Christ has moved us from the house of bondage, the house of folly and destruction, into the house of Wisdom, the house of Life.
Our brother Paul distinguishes what we should be from what we too often are:
Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, that there be no divisions among you, and that you be united with the same understanding and the same conviction. For it has been reported to me . . .that there is rivalry among you. What I am saying is this: One of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? (1 Cor. 1:10–17)
We know that we are welcome in Wisdom’s House, because this is where we were always supposed to be: near to the heart of Wisdom, close to the members of her household, and safely unified in Christ.
So what transforms a house into a home?
Any structure can be a house, but it’s the elements within—especially the people— and what qualities they bring that make it a home.
I’ve noticed that even the most beautifully appointed home can feel terribly hollow if the occupants I love are not there. Of course, in a busy home I enjoy the stillness and the quiet, but also because of the lingering memories of the occupants who have filled the rooms and my heart with their peace.
Some of our spiritual ancestors sang from the depths of their souls, toil, and harsh labor: “I’ve got a home in glory land that outshines the sun.”
They sang of the Home that Christ Himself has prepared—for the construction is already done, and the keys secured the moment He emerged from the grave to lead us captives to the door. He tells us that His Home has many rooms, space for all He has gathered in. In His Home, there is pleasant work.
The fragrances of perfect peace and purpose rise from every corner to bless our glorified senses. The fragrance of life reigns because He is there—the chief architect of the structure that was set stone upon stone, filling it with the safety and fulfillment of His people in mind.
Look around.
The Architect has set glimpses of this glorious Home all around for us to discover, for our delight.
The Architect has set glimpses of this glorious Home all around for us to discover, for our delight.
The psalmist saw these homes of peace and order all around him, parting tree limbs and peering into the homes of God’s tiniest creatures nestled between branches. God fashions homes for even the sparrow and the swallow, “a nest for herself where she places her young . . . near your altars” (Ps. 84:3). So safe are these little ones that they trust their young—that is, their future and their hope—to Him.
How content are the psalmist’s swallow and sparrow, more secure than in the palm of any human hand. Safe. Nestled. Protected and watched over by the Creator Himself, who reminds us today that we have a home in glory land that outshines the sun.
And as the psalmist meditates on his promised place of shalom, like Adam he names it aptly . . .he calls it lovely. So it is with Wisdom’s house.
How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord of Armies. I long and yearn for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh cry out for the living God. Even a sparrow finds a home, and a swallow, a nest for herself where she places her young—near your altars, Lord of Armies my King and my God. How happy are those who reside in your house, who praise you continually. (Ps. 84:1–4)
Folly destroys. Wisdom makes life.
Wisdom makes life. Folly destroys. And Satan doesn’t play fair; he hits below the belt. He doesn’t just come for us, he comes for those we love.
So how bold of Wisdom to constantly remind us of who are with Christ and who we are without. Christ has moved us from the house of bondage, the house of folly and destruction, into the house of Wisdom, the house of Life.
The Gospel’s soul mirror shows us not only as we are, but as we are supposed to be.
To become wise, we must respond to Wisdom’s call—to dwell in Wisdom’s house. Wisdom has called us. Come into this house and come to stay…
Adventure awaits.
K. A. ELLIS is the Director of the Edmiston Center for the Study of the Bible and Ethnicity in Atlanta, Georgia.
She’s passionate about theology, human rights, and global religious freedom, and her research explores Christian endurance from society’s margins, particularly in places where it’s most difficult to live the Christian life.
She is the Cannada Fellow for World Christianity at Reformed Theological Seminary, and holds a Master of Arts in Religion (MAR) from Westminster Theological Seminary, a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from the Yale School of Drama, and is a Ph.D. candidate in World Christianity and Ethics at the Oxford Center for Mission Studies in England.
In her new book, Wisdom’s Call, K. A. Ellis shows us how to gain wisdom and invites us to experience Jesus Christ—the Wisdom on which our world rests. Learn practical wisdom for everyday living. Find rest, refreshment, and the ability to bring life to those around you-just as Christ did, when you read Wisdom’s Call.
[Our humble thanks to Moody for their partnership with today’s thoughtful reflection.]
