Metaphors to Make Wise

God’s creation provides metaphors to help us to grasp concepts revealed in Scripture, making us wise.

“Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. … The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.” Psalm 19:1-2, 7b

Water and light are life-giving metaphors.

A spring of water welling up to eternal life

Jesus is the water of lasting sustenance:

“Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’” John 4:13-14

The Blue Spring of Missouri Ozarks had a daily flow 87 million gallons. At the start, where the water was deep, it was colorful from dissolved minerals and the reflection from the sky. Downstream the water was clear and green plants thrived from the sunlight that passes through it. Jesus in us is like this spring that keeps providing life day after day without end.

God’s word, like rain, shall succeed in the thing for which He sent it

Winter wheat was planted in our area in September. The plants emerged in the fall and then went dormant during the winter and grew again in the spring when we got the most rain. Hard winter wheat was harvested in August and milled into flour for use in making yeast bread. So moisture in the form of snow and rain by God’s grace succeeded in bringing forth bread to eat. Likewise, God’s word does not return empty, but accomplishes that which He purposed. It succeeds in the thing for which He sent it – joy and peace.

“For as the rain and the snow comedown from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but sit shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace.” Isaiah 55:10-12a

Jesus gives light to those in darkness and guides them into the way of peace

This truth was prophesied by Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist:

“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins,because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:76-79

We best reflect God’s image when we are content in Jesus

Consider a metaphor that evergreen trees represent our eternal God and we are the lake that reflects His image. We are most effective as His image-bearers when we are content in Jesus.

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. … I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11,13

Notice in the photo along the shore where the water was changed by a slight breeze, blurring the image. Consider the metaphor. Why be moved by the world’s temporary breezes of enticement that cloud our witness as image-bears of God? What more could we want than to dwell with the eternal Savior in peace, evermore knowing God and giving Him glory in the works that He gave us to do for His kingdom?

“Lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles is, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.” Hebrews 12:1b-2a

“Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Colossians 3:10

Out of the heart of believers flow rivers of living water

I was struck by the beauty of this red granite rock in the flowing water of the South Platte River, Colorado. I tried to move the rock, but it didn’t budge.

The scene is a metaphor of our stable position as children of God through the blood of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit onto life-giving building of the kingdom of God. This is a mighty power as illustrated by streams.

“This God – his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God? (2 Samuel 22:31-32).

“Whoever believes in me [Jesus], as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ Now this he said about the Spirit.” John 7:38

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13