‘All Wisdom And Prudence’

Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence…’

Ephesians 1:8

God is wise, and His timing is perfect.  He has chosen us in Christ, ‘before the foundation of the world.’  He has predestinated us ‘unto the adoption of children.’  He has sent Christ into the world ‘in the fullness of time.’  He has done all this in order that we might, ‘have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.’  He has done these things ‘according to the riches of His grace.’  Our text for today declares that He has made this grace, ‘to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence.’  What does this mean?  At the bare minimum, regardless of whatever else it might mean, this means that God understands what to do (wisdom), and when to do it (prudence).  We see this in the outplay of the redemption story.  As we cast an eye over the whole of the history which God has imparted to us, we see the perfection of God’s workings to prepare for the advent of Christ, the coming of Christ ‘in the fullness of time,’ and the fulfillment of the promises of God through Christ.  Hence, we conclude that God does indeed know both what to do, and when to do it.  By the things He has done and the time in which He has done them, He has ‘made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence’ that which we can only describe as ‘the riches of His grace.’

Our Wise and Prudent God,
we rejoice that You do all things well.
We praise You that You have made Your Wisdom and Prudence,
 to abound towards us,
in the Person and Work of Christ.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning