Why are you studying the Scriptures, when you are reading the Word of God, what is it you are looking for?
On our answering machine, and yes, our only telephone is a land line in our house, the message I have left for people who call is this, “Who do you say Jesus Christ is?” For those extremely few that have left a reply, it has been this. “My Lord and Savior.” While that may seem correct, it is what is generally called the “standard pat” answer, it is what one should say, but it takes very little time speaking to these individuals to realize that is all it is, the correct answer, but not one that comes from the depth of their soul.
“Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68)
When asked why they are reading their Bible, many will offer these words, “To learn about God.”
“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” (Matt. 15:8)
I will confess this today to you in this short letter, I rarely search the Scriptures for relief, rarely do I seek to learn about those that suffered so that my own sufferings can be put into some perspective, so that my pain can be compared relatively with those who have experienced the same.
I study the Scriptures to be shown how to serve profitably. What I am required to do, how is my life to be lived so that the Almighty will be glorified in it, how are my words and actions supposed to be expressed to the world so that the name of the Lord Jesus Christ is lifted up?
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Col. 3:17)
I am a servant who desires to be taught how to be profitable to my Master.
There are many books I have read and re-read, written by men of God much wiser than myself that have been of great benefit to me, but they are only addendums to the Scriptures, they are, in a sense, what I have been called to do as well, teaching those whose desire it is to glorify the Living God as much as we can, as much as He reveals to us about Himself, life application principles, how to live our lives for His glory. It is a frightening task, a fearful one, to put on paper with pen these words, “This is how your Father in heaven wants you to behave, this is how your King requires His ambassadors to carry themselves, this is how we are to represent our Lord.”
“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;” (Phil. 2:10)
In a sense, if they are indeed born-again, the correct answer is “My Lord and Savior,” but few honestly know Him as the latter.
Why do you read the Word of God, what is it you want out of it, what are you searching for as you study to show yourself approved? Did you think that you could be conformed into the image of the Son of God if you did not search for Him on nearly every page of the Scriptures? Do you seek for those who experienced suffering and sorrow so that you can be consoled in it in some form, knowing you are not the only one who has been there as well, or for ways to glorify Him in those valleys?
“So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.” (Luke 17:10)
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
A servant must be taught to serve, the willing and loving servant will listen well, will study to show themselves approved, and then seek and ask for ways to serve profitably.
Contemplate much this question for you today, why do you open the Word of God, what are you looking for, what do you want from it, from Him?
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Phil. 4:6)
He not only offers you everything but requires everything from you as well.
Consider this truth.
