KNOWLEDGE IS UNDERSTANDING

This weeks "Words to Live By" are fitting on this Ash Wednesday, as we begin our Lenten journey. A part of the Lenten discipline is to grow in faith and knowledge, and Pastor Paul Hauenstein's words today are a reflection on Caitlyn Miller's confirmation verse. Our thanks to you both.
(For past "Words to Live By" and other information about Our Savior, go to http://www.oursaviorelca.com/.)

KNOWLEDGE IS UNDERSTANDING

Read Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight."

Education is the foundation of civilization. Learning about history, science, mathematics, languages, economics and government prepares us for meaningful participation in community with others. Caitlyn Miller sees Martin Luther as an example of using his knowledge to understand truth.

Luther was a good student. He studied law to please his Father but he expanded his learning to include an understanding of God and faith. While riding through the woods in a thunderstorm he was startled by a bolt of lightning. He prayed to St. Anne and promised to become a monk if his life were spared. It led Luther to the monastery and to the study of Scripture.

His knowledge grew and his understanding of God’s love and salvation developed a solid faith. He became so convinced of the Bible’s truth that he challenged the teaching and authority of Pope Leo X. Rather than back down he was excommunicated for his beliefs.

The fear of the Lord that led Luther to devote his life to the study of Scripture changed with world. The understanding that we are saved by grace through faith led to the Reformation of the Church. He used his knowledge to translate the Latin Scriptures into the language of his people—German. It made it possible for every person to read the Bible for themselves. The invention of the movable type printing press put the scriptures into the hands of common people. Over the years the Bible has been translated into hundreds of languages and mass produced to be the bestselling book of all time.

The wisdom that comes from understanding God’s Word leads to the gift of faith given by God to those who seek the truth. Imagine a world without books, schools, education, and knowledge. The resulting lack of understanding would leave civilization much weaker and less progressive. We have an awesome God. It is our holy fear or our respect for this God that leads to wisdom, knowledge and understanding of his love and salvation. The Word of God is the beginning of the wisdom and our understanding of faith.

“Our God is an awesome God, He reigns from heaven above, With wisdom, power and love, Our God is an awesome God.” (Lyrics by Rich Mullins)

Thank you Caitlyn, your Confirmation Bible verse and your memories about Martin Luther inspire us.