The Daily Devotional
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Rediscovering Ancient Wisdom
For inquire now of bygone generations, and consider what their ancestors have found; for we are but of yesterday, and we know nothing, for our days on earth are but a shadow. Will they not teach you and tell you and utter words out of their understanding? (Job 8:8-10)
Introduction
The Book of Job invites us to consider the wisdom of those who came before us. The ancient stories and remnants of history serve as a testament to God’s providence and creativity across time. Job's friends encouraged him to look back to learn from the past, a reminder that the truths of God's work can be discovered in the echoes of history.
Reflection
On December 18, 1888, Richard Wetherill and his brother-in-law Charlie Mason rediscovered Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde, Colorado. These stunning cliff dwellings, long abandoned, stood as a monument to the resourcefulness and creativity of a people now often referred to as the Ancestral Puebloans. Wetherill, influenced by the Navajo, called them "Anasazi," meaning "ancient enemies." However, contemporary scholars recognize the complexity and dignity of these ancient inhabitants, preferring the name "Ancestral Puebloans" to honor their legacy.
This rediscovery invites us to reflect on how remnants of the past—whether physical structures, written words, or oral traditions—can speak volumes about human endurance and God's timeless provision. Cliff Palace was not just a home; it was a community built with ingenuity, resilience, and collaboration. It reminds us that the wisdom of those who came before us still holds relevance today.
Imagine hiking through the rugged landscape of the American Southwest, where barren cliffs and arid canyons stretch for miles. Suddenly, you stumble upon an intricately constructed village hidden in the cliffside, as if frozen in time. This is how Wetherill must have felt upon seeing Cliff Palace. Similarly, in our spiritual lives, we may wander in desolation only to find God's truth embedded in the wisdom of Scripture, the testimonies of saints, or the lessons of history. Just as Wetherill brought light to the forgotten beauty of Mesa Verde, God invites us to rediscover His wisdom through faith.
Application
Take time to explore the "cliff palaces" of your spiritual heritage by revisiting Scripture, the writings of early church fathers, or the stories of faithful ancestors.
Reflect on what your spiritual foundation looks like. Are you building your life on fleeting trends, or are you anchoring yourself in the wisdom of God that transcends time?
Recognize and honor the contributions of others, past and present, who have shaped your faith journey.
Conclusion
The rediscovery of Cliff Palace reminds us that ancient truths, like ancient dwellings, may be hidden but are never lost. In our fast-paced world, let us take the time to unearth the timeless wisdom found in God’s Word and the lives of those who faithfully followed Him before us. Just as Mesa Verde continues to inspire awe, so too does the faithfulness of God stand as a testament to His enduring love and care.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the wisdom You have revealed through the lives of those who came before us. Help us to seek understanding and truth, learning from the foundations laid by Your faithful followers. May we honor the past, live faithfully in the present, and build a legacy of faith for those who come after us. Open our eyes to the treasures of wisdom that You have placed all around us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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