. . . Because it points to Jesus! John 5:39 says:
You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, . . .
There is no other book written “about” Jesus (like a commentary) that actually substitutes for just actually reading the scriptures. There is something living about the scriptures, something inexplicable from the Spirit’s testimony bearing as the scriptures are engaged. The witness of scripture is brought to the heart as the Spirit bears witness with our spirit that indeed these words are the very spiration of God Himself. In Daniel the scriptures are called “The Book of Truth,” in the Psalms God’s word is said to be settled in heaven forever; Paul calls the word of God pure water that we should be sprinkling eachother with, he further says that we should internalize them which should prompt us to sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to eachother. Coming to scripture, for me, is the most refreshing thing I have ever done, and will ever do; that is until I quit walking by faith and finally see the One to whom they’ve beenΒ pointing us to for so long — the One we love, having not seen!
I’m just sayin’ I love the scriptures because they point me to the One whom I love inexpressably; this is why the Bible is so important, they point us to Jesus, and away from ourselves. I hope you experience the hope and peace, comfort and encouragement that the scriptures intend to bring. God has not left us as orphans, and part of that Father-hood is tied into the ministry of the Holy Spirit as He enfolds us into the life of Christ through His Words that magnify Jesus (cf. Jn 14–16). Make sure you continue to feast at the banqueting table of God’s Word, you’ll never go hungry . . .
Amen to that!
The realization of the truth in John 5:39 was a light bulb moment for me. When I finally realized it’s ALL about Jesus, reading my Bible (especially OT and Gospel accounts) became a pleasure instead of a chore.
Have to admit, though, that reading some of the NT epistles still make me feel really burdened because there is so much instruction there on proper behavior, worship and attitude that I’m always coming away worried that I still need to be doing something. Obviously, there’s always room for improvement, but the feeling I get is more of a panicked “hope I’m doing it all right” sort of thing.
Bad, bad and not resting in Christ. I know. I constantly have to take my pride and worry back to Him and ask Him to make it obvious what I’m supposed to be doing today. That helps lighten the load tremendously. π
Take care!
Amen, Heather,
your last paragraph really captures it! Remembering that all of these instructions and “burdens” are all rooted in Christ and His life at work in us takes all of the “burden” away (that’s why Jesus says come to me). He sets an impossible task, to be Holy as He is . . . the only way to do this is to rest in Him (He knows we can’t keep any of these things, but that this should be our aim by the Spirit and only in Him).
Bobby,
Do you have an automatic rotating template for your layout?
YOU SAID IT here Bobby:
“Spiration”. God’s Breath. Holy Spirit breathed. The Father’s Heart. Jesus’ words.
I compare it to the intimacy of sharing another person’s breath.
If a person you are not close to gets too close and breaths in your face, you may feel defiled.
But the breath of your loved one is intimate. God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils, and he became a living soul, selah.
Scripture as God’s revelation is information. It is the revelation of the WORD of God in words. But it is more than information. It is “quick” and “powerful” or in the modern english “living” and “active”. You are right Bobby, there is something organic in the way the word works in us through the Spirit, or “put the other way around” the way the Spirit works through His word. Scripture to the unbeliever is just words and stories. We who are known by Him are fed by His word, as it has nutritive content that physical bread can not offer.
Perhaps taking in God’s word is breathing in what He has breathed out. Trying to comprehend His word is like tasting and chewing, or as the breathing metaphor, holding your breath.
Heather, your right, there is definitely tension between our list of do’s and don’ts versus living by the Spirit. I just put an addendum to my I Cor. 13 blog last night. I hope it reflects what you’re saying. It intends to put into words my understanding of Affective Theology, especially the Christian’s role. Bobby check it out si vous plais, just click on my name above.
Your brother
Yeah, my whim π .
Duane,
There is an intimacy to scripture for exactly the reason you say. I agree with you, there is an organic nature to scripture because it is the Spirit given Words of God (through and through). And those Words are inextricably tied to the mission of God in Christ.
I’ll check out your blog, I’ll have to link to you too; I don’t know why I haven’t linked to you before π .
LOL! Have to check in every day just to check out Bobby’s new look.
I like the note about “spiration”, Duane.
The tension between the lists and the living does sometimes get to me. I don’t want to simply do whatever “I” feel like doing. But there also is a foolishness to over-analyzing every move throughout the day.
I’m beginning to think that is one important reason why we must be always in prayer. I’ve noticed that when prayer is an ongoing attitude, rather than an occasional SOS flare, there is less of a chance of stepping out of the bounds of obedience. Less stress. Less anxiety. Less regret. Don’t know why I let my buttons get pushed so easily when I know what I’m supposed to be doing…
Hey Bobby!
I just wanted to echo: been curious for some time about your graphics team. Pretty talented!
I like your choice of artwork too. Such as above the fold on your other blog right now.
THANKS
I do it, Duane. It’s mostly out of boredom, and I like the frequent change; it’s also fun to try and create a variety of looks. I think some people are too static with their themes, but then again I know that I am way too dynamic . . . but whatever, it’s just blogging π .