Proverbs 8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. The legend of the "Holy Grail" tells us that Joseph of Arimathea came into possession of the dish from which the Saviour ate, or, according to another version, the cup from which He drank, when He celebrated the last Passover in the upper room with His apostles. When Joseph stood at the Cross, some of the blood which came from the wounds of Christ fell into this vessel, and Joseph ever afterwards carried about this relic with him in all his wanderings, until at length he came to England. The very presence of this sacred vessel had a mystic influence: miraculous cures were effected by it. But at length, in consequence of the wickedness of the land, this sacred vessel was no longer permitted to remain visible amongst men. What could be a worthier task of Christian knighthood than to go in search of it? Man is, by the very constitution of his nature, a seeker. For wise and good reasons God has made us creatures of desire. It is of the utmost importance that this seeking instinct of our nature should be wisely directed. This Book of Proverbs speaks to you of a treasure which is worthy of your pursuit, and which is the most valuable of all treasures. I. THIS WISDOM IS A HIDDEN TREASURE. Never be led astray by that lie of the devil, that those things which can be seen are the most real and substantial. It is a delusion which is the parent of all ignoble life. The existence of God is the greatest reality of all, and yet your eye cannot see God. You cannot see your mother's love. II. THIS WISDOM IS A SACRED TREASURE. The grail was called the holy grail because it had sacred associations. God's own wisdom is that which we are invited to share. By wisdom is not meant mere knowledge, but that heavenly yet practical wisdom which has to do with the most sacred region of our being — the conscience, the affections, the will — and which enables a man to walk through life in a right and wise direction, and in a spirit sympathetic with the mind of God. No man can be said to live wisely who is living out of harmony with God's own purpose concerning him. True wisdom enables us to make a wise use of all earthly knowledge, but it is itself a heavenly and sacred treasure. III. THIS WISDOM IS A PRICELESS TREASURE. Wisdom may sometimes put a man in the way of obtaining wealth; but no amount of wealth can ever buy wisdom. The true wisdom will lead you into the paths of duty, honour, and integrity. No amount of wealth can by any possibility be a compensation for the lack of the priceless treasure. IV. THIS WISDOM IS A LIFE-GIVING TREASURE. 1. It is a healing influence. 2. A nourishing influence. 3. A life-renewing influence. V. THIS WISDOM IS A TREASURE WHICH MAY BE FOUND BY EVERY EARNEST SEEKER. In the way of — 1. Reverence. 2. Prayer. 3. Courage. 4. Purity.I have said that man is born a seeker. It is also true that the elements of heroism lie embedded in the very constitution of our nature. There is plenty of room for Christian knighthood yet — for true chivalry of heart and life. Christ is the Divine Wisdom incarnate — the Word of God in human nature. Then seek Christ. (T. Campbell Finlayson.) Parallel Verses KJV: I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.WEB: I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me. |
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