1 John 2:20 But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.
The source of true knowledge comes from the One who is Truth (1 John 14:6). There is a lot of new knowledge in the world, but in a sense, it is circular. It chases after hopes and dreams of improving life. In many ways, life has improved with this new knowledge. But even with improvements, there are always down sides. I enjoy driving a car because I can get to places quicker. But as more people in Manila think the same thing, the streets are crowded and the air is polluted. I could hardly breath this week from the smog and stench in the air from pollution. Even improvements in health always have a cost, sometimes in further pain or high expense. Whatever modern invention we name, there is a cost to it. The accumulation of knowledge itself creates stress in just accessing this and keeping in one’s head.
John is talking about a different type of knowledge. It is insight into what really matters in our existence: knowing who Jesus is and what he has done for us. This verse is curious with the idea of anointing. Like in the stories of the Old Testament, God has put his presence and seal upon those who have confessed and walk in his light of holy love. This relationship and ethic results in knowing Christ. This is what the Bible talks about as “wisdom.” Wisdom is different than accumulating new facts or joining new synapsis in our brain. It is not dependent upon age, as verses 12-14 indicate. It is dependent upon faith shown through obedience. We must come as humble children and say, “Show me your glory” (Exodus 33:18).
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