The Ebenezer Convention Center was filled with spiritual fervor as attendees gathered for a divine service led by Ptr. Zaldivar E. Acodesin on Tuesday.
With Proverbs 9:1-6; 13-18 as the foundation of the sermon, Ptr. Acodesin navigated the depths of wisdom and foolishness depicted through the biblical verses. Drawing attention to the contrast between the “House of living wisdom” and the peril of succumbing to the “foolishness of a living woman,” he reminded worshippers of the importance of discernment in life.
The numbers 3, 12, and 7 took on significant roles in the sermon, symbolizing the holy trinity, power, and the completeness of God’s creation, respectively. As these numbers echo in many biblical stories, their meanings serve to underpin the profound message of the sermon: completeness and perfection in wisdom.
Banquets in biblical times were not just events of feasting; they signified crucial life lessons. Ptr. Acodesin used this analogy to present life as a banquet, urging the congregation to find wisdom amidst the overwhelming noise of foolishness.
The sermon highlighted the figure of ‘Lady Wisdom’, emphasizing that heeding her call leads to repentance, which in turn brings one closer to knowing God and the Holy One. Central to the message was the age-old tenet that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom.”
In reflection of the sermon’s teachings, the call to wisdom and discernment aligns closely with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education. By empowering individuals with wisdom and knowledge, societies are better positioned to make informed decisions, promote sustainable lifestyles, and contribute positively to their communities.
Ptr. Acodesin’s powerful message serves as a timely reminder to all: to heed the Lord’s invitation, cherish wisdom, and ensure that one’s life is steered away from the pitfalls of foolishness.//Â (Sab-it, J.)
