Do We Treat Bible Verses Like
Fads or Treasures?
Do We Treat Bible Verses Like Fads or Treasures? –
Recently I’ve noticed a trend in Christian publishing. I guess it’s been around for a while, but I used to think it was cool.
Authors seem to search out some unknown Old Testament verse, maybe in the Law or a minor prophet, and then they write a whole book on it. It’s a verse that has been passed by for generations, until the proverbial lightbulb went off for one person.
We “oohh” and “ahhh” over these books, and they come and go like fashionable trends. Don’t believe me? “The Prayer of Jabez.” Enough said.
Here’s my point: Let’s not focus on finding these “hidden” verses to the extent that we overlook the well-worn ones.
There is a reason that Psalm 23 is beloved even among those who do not regularly read the Bible.
There is a reason that Jeremiah 29:11 has given hope to people going through rough times.
There is a reason that John 3:16 is on the lips of elementary-aged Sunday School attendees.
It’s because they are important. They are signposts that have been handed down and reiterated by the saints who have gone on before us. To be a mature Christian doesn’t mean we skip over those verses in the Bible like we have come to the highest revelation of what it truly says. We shouldn’t discount these verses as if they were only for new believers.
Remember, the point of Bible study is not to know more about the Bible, it is to know more about God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I love the Sally Lloyd-Jones childrens’ Bible, “The Jesus Storybook Bible,” for many, many reasons (I highly recommend adults read it), but the subtitle really sticks with me: “Every Story Whispers His Name.” It’s really all about Jesus. From Genesis to Revelation, every story whispers His Name.
The greatest secret to reading and studying the Bible is this: it’s a never-ending well. While going through a recent study of Romans I’ve come to the conclusion that my understanding of sin, salvation, grace, and the sovereignty of God are only small drops in the ocean. The more you know, the less you know, and the more you want to know. It only makes sense that it’s a paradox, that’s the mark of the Kingdom of God.
Thanks for this post, I believe that many do as you have described. However I wouldn’t call it a failing or a problem per say. This seems to ke to be a sign of a new-born Christian or the very young. I used to do the same myself, I’d have a few go to verses that seemed to fit every situation. However, All of Gods word is to be treasured, there is value in in it everywhere. I see how treasuring a handful of verses above others can lead to a stumbling block. Without the conversational context of those verses, or even the historical context in which those verses were written. Its easy for us to assign our heart felt association to it as scripture, then maybe even the doctrine we personally follow. This opens a really big blind spot allowing Satan to enter and twist our understanding. I keep getting a visual of a person with a microscope or magnifying glass who instead of stepping back and looking at the whole picture keeps focusing on merely a section of the picture.All the while not realizing while that section hasn’t changed the rest of the picture Is trying to convey something very different than the person remembers. Its changed. The Word of God is living, and that’s why you can hear something so specific to you and your situation from the Holy Spirit when you re-read it. Perhaps its as if the desciples focused only on Jesus’s hands or eyes. Or the way he spoke. A small single detail or action that might very well have been great, but doesn’t compare to the entirety of his time and life and message on earth. Don’t trust your memory or your Heart because they are easily affected.Instead in all things seek God with the understanding that the Word, the Holy Spirit and prayer are the means to hear God daily and his instruction for you. Your daily bread!
I recently after studying some Hebrew found something quite interesting and inspiring. The first Letter of the Torah, and the last letter of the last word in Revelation put to get her makeup the word Son in Hebrew (Bet Nun). Interestingly if your were to do the same of the old testament alone the word is Heart. (Lev)
Might just be an awesome cooincidence but rather I see it as a sign truly Living word of God.
Thanks again for the post.
May God continue to bless you and your Ministries!