5 See, I have taught you statutes and rules, as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should do them in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. 6 Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’

The greatness of a nation is demonstrated in several ways, the God they serve, and the laws they create. Moses tells the people that others will call them great if they keep the law of the Lord. Why, because they will be wise and understanding. That tells me that we are to examine the laws and statutes given to the people of Israel, so that we may be wise and understanding. Every law we come across in our reading should make us stop and ask, “Why is this wise?” and “What does this reveal about humans?” and “What does this reveal about God?” For there are three things we really need to know about…nature, humanity and our Creator God.

In the Acts 6 passage, one verse sticks out to me in conjunction with this:

7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Why? Because, when the people of God are obedient to His call and desire for their lives, others will be attracted to us.  Sure, there will be persecution from some…but I think others will be drawn to check Jesus out. The attractiveness of Jesus during his ministry…drawing crowds of thousands…was because he was one with wisdom and understanding. We, as his “body,” have that same responsibility.

When I have done some not so wise things, when I have failed to understand the best way to act in a situation, I know that it has not reflected well on the Church of Jesus Christ. Today’s reading reminds me to speak and live with “the wisdom and the Spirit” (acts 6:10)