2 Timothy 3:16-17
Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Several years ago, I set out to read the Bible in a year, using a study guide that suggested a passage to read each day from the Old Testament, the New Testament…and a Psalm or verses from Proverbs. At first, I thought it was a little strange, as I read from Genesis 1 and Matthew 1, plus the Psalm. But very quickly, I began to see how these scriptures dove-tailed…how often something in either the Old Testament or the New Testament would reference the verses from the other…or how the topic would be quite similar.
I’ve heard several people ask why we need the Old Testament now. After all, Jesus came and made things new…gave us new commandments and removed the need for us to offer burnt offerings and sacrifice animals on an altar. He became the Sacrificial Lamb for our sins! So why even read all of that in the Old Testament? Why read about the rituals of Leviticus and all of the old Jewish rules? What do the statistics in Numbers matter to us now? These are valid questions.
As I studied, I realized that having a reference point from these Old Testament passages gave them relevance. It was clearer to me just how much the life of Jesus meant for us…how much it changed things. As I read about the “old ways” and parallel scriptures about the “New Life in Christ”, I was even more grateful for Jesus’ life and what He did for each of us. And as I write these devotionals each day, I am keenly aware of just how timely God’s word is for us.
On any given day, the exact same scripture verse can speak to us in a different manner. Philippians 4:13… For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (NLT)…can speak to us of God’s strength and power one day…remind us of His love and compassion another…and on another can encourage us and alleviate any fear and doubt we may experience about God’s continual presence. I have opened my Bible and read the same passage countless times and come away with a totally different perspective in that particular moment.
Does this mean the Bible is wishy-washy…that God’s word is ambiguous? Absolutely NOT! God’s word is relevant and right for us all the time. Just as Paul told Timothy in this passage, the scriptures are “God-breathed” and always useful “in one way or another.” So when we need compassion, God breathes empathy into His ordained word…when we need strength, we find it.
When we need reassurance or courage, God leads us to passages that can provide sustenance and motivation. And the scriptures of the Old Testament provide a foundation…illustrate how we got here…provide profiles in courage and lessons in faith…and pave the way for the message of the New Testament and the accounts of the life of Christ and the creation of His church.
Whatever you need…wherever you are, the “God-breathed” words of the scriptures can fill the bill. When was the last time you picked up your Bible and dove into the message that God left there for you? How often are you seeking Him in scripture? Are you missing out on truths, training, and tasks that God has highlighted for you there? Isn’t it time you looked at the scriptures with fresh eyes and an open heart and mind? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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