Wise Counsel
Greg Gilliam
Pastor, Grace Christian Assembly, Kansas City, Missouri
“Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.” Genesis 41:33,
“And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?” Pharaoh was in need of wise counsel. He first turned to the magicians of Egypt first. Not one of them could interpret the dreams of Pharaoh. Then we are brought back to the chief butler, one that Joseph had interpreted a dream for before and told him to remember him. He tells Pharaoh all about the account and introduces Pharaoh to Joseph. Joseph is immediately called for and he prepares himself.
As we study Joseph’s life we have glimpses of the Lord Jesus. We have one here in our text. Can we find such a one as this is? Who will help us know what God is about to do? The answer is yes. The Lord Jesus Christ is our counselor. The Prophet Isaiah gives us an introduction. Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Price of Peace.”
He has been with God the Father since before the world was in existence. John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus holds all the characteristics of His Father. John 1:14, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
John gives us a record that the Spirit came upon Jesus. John 1:32-34, “And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.”
The wisdom of God was on display in His earthly life. Luke 2:40, “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.” Others marveled at the wisdom He had - remember, we behold God’s characteristics in Him. Mat. 13:54, “And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?”
The Apostle Paul makes several statements about the wisdom and knowledge of God. These statements can be said of Jesus too. Rom. 11:33, “O the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” 1 Cor. 1:24, “But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” Col. 2:3, “In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
He will give us wisdom if we but ask Him. James 1:5, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” 1 Cor. 1:30, “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:” Eph. 1:8, “Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence.” Eph. 1:17, “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto the you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:” Eph. 3:10, “To the intent that now the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God.” Col. 1:9, “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.”
