Scripture . . . Apropos to Life!
6/15/2010 11:25:41 PM
June 15, 2010~ the Bible


 

Scripture . . . Apropos to Life!

Somewhere along the line, I developed a passion for books . . . not for how they look or how they feel, (though I admit that I do like turning the pages, and, I do like to highlight, and write dates and comments in the margins).  In truth, I guess I really got passionate about books when I wanted to learn vital information to support Scriptural principles I was teaching . . . like when I wanted the historical evidence to defend the reliability of the sacred Scriptures and how they were copied and handed down through the centuries.  Then, the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls proved to be invaluable!  But, of all the many books that line my shelves, not one book cover claims that the book is alive . . . no book except one, that is. 

The author of Hebrews said, ‘The Word of God is living and active…’  what an outrageous claim to make of something on a printed page!  But it is true.  ‘It penetrates to the soul and spirit…’he said, and that is true.  Images flash in my mind of times when I wanted to comfort someone, when I wanted to say something to a friend--

. . . whose son was sick in the hospital, and the diagnosis not known

. . . who needed to make some tough decisions about work that would impact his family, and frankly, his family really mattered to him-- the anxiety was overwhelming!

. . . who has known nothing but abandonment all his life

. . . who had broken up his family because of his immoral decisions, and he has now given up on himself . . .

What could I offer?  Where could I go to find something life-giving away?

……to the one book that could provide comfort, guidance, promise, and forgiveness . . . the Word of God.

To the mother whose son was sick:  Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers.  And the God of peace will keep your heart and your mind quiet and at rest while you trust in Christ JesusPhilippians 4.6-7  I shared these verses with her on the phone, and then she ‘texted’ me and asked me to please send them to her; why?  The verses were a lifeline to her.

What does the Bible say:

>To the man with tough decisionsTrust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3.5-6   ‘Take it a day at a time, and ask the Lord to guide each part of the process—interviews, connections,’ I said.  ‘Commit each part to him, and ask him for wisdom.’ ‘Yeah, sounds good,’ he replied.

>To the one who feels he has always been ‘left’God has said, ‘Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.’ Hebrews 13.5    People may leave; God will not.  He will not turn his back on you, or be gone when you need him most.

>To the one who gave into sin, hurting his familyAs far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our sins from us. Psalm 103.5  You will be called by a new name that the Lord will bestow on you. Isaiah 62.2     ‘If God has forgiven you, then you must forgive yourself and move forward.  I know you are dealing with the fallout, but nonetheless, you are a beloved child of God!  Do not live a defeated life anymore, Friend.’

The Word of God has the ability to seep into the very marrow of your being—to comfort, to bring peace, to lead, guide, convict, and offer forgiveness too.  That is why it is truly ALIVE.  Unlike a pretty, inspirational poem which can bring a smile, or even a kind, encouraging word . . . Scripture offers divine sustenance, which cannot be surpassed!  While we can comprehend how we got the Holy Scriptures, and how they are supported historically, scientifically, etc., isn’t it incredible that God’s Word is also personal, applicable, and life-giving, apropos to our daily living?  Yes, my friends, it is.

Christine