Ever-Abiding Word?
Have you found it difficult to read and appreciate the Bible this week? If so, you’re not alone. Spending time digesting Exodus 30 or Galatians 6 on any ordinary day would seem readily profitable. But these days, it may feel as though breaking news reports are more relevant because they inform us about the new state of affairs right now and how our behavior needs to change today. When we tune-in to “more relatable” messages we risk tuning-out Scripture and rendering it silent in our lives.
Here are several points to help us remember that the Bible speaks relevantly and authoritatively in every season of our lives:
1. God Has Spoken
We need to remember that the Bible is the word of the one true living God (2 Timothy 2:16; Hebrews 1:1-2). By it, he reveals himself to us so that we can know him and think his thoughts after him. The Holy Spirit works with the word to draw us into his presence. He enlightens the eyes of our hearts, giving us spiritually new eyes through which to see our present situation. The Bible informs and transforms God’s people.
2. For You
We need to remember that the Bible wasn’t written to us, nor about us, but it was written for us (2 Peter 1:20-21). Each of the various books of Scripture were composed within a historical time and cultural setting concerning events that took place long before our birth. Nevertheless all were “written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31). The Bible is for believers of all ages in all times, places, and circumstances.
3. About Jesus
We need to remember that the Bible narrates one grand and unfolding story that is all about Jesus Christ. Luke began his gospel with Jesus’ peculiar announcement that Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled in him (4:16-21). Jesus said that he was the subject of the book. Then Luke concluded with the risen Savior walking beside his disciples along the road and interpreting to them “in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself” so much so that their hearts seemed to burn within them (24:17, 32). In the Bible, Jesus speaks directly to his people about himself for their joy.
One friend of mine says, “I hope that your Bible will ‘grow’ in size.” My prayer in this season is that you would experience the word of God opening up to you, coming alive before your eyes, and connecting to the details of your life. I hope that you will use this time to read previously unexplored portions of Scripture and discover how they relate to Jesus Christ. Most importantly, I pray that as you read the word, you hear The Word speaking to you.