Lent Devotional : Truly, truly, I say to you.
Chapter 8: The Scriptures bear witness… (John 11:21-27)
The living word, the only door…
‘You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.’ (John 5:39-40)
Over the years, I’ve acquired a number of Bibles. Some were given as gifts, some I bought myself including a study Bible and a French translation. And, of course, thanks to technology, I also have access to digital and audio Bibles.
What it is about this most widely read book in world history? Clearly it’s so much more than history, law, prophecy, poetry and song. How is it that we can read a passage time and again and discover new lessons, new applications and new distinctions? Quite simply, because God’s Word is like no other book.
‘For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.’ (Hebrews 4:12)
I’m fascinated by the encounter in Luke’s Gospel when Jesus comes alongside two despondent men on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus several days after the crucifixion. In human terms, it’s easy to understand why they were so disappointed and confused. After all, they’d so hoped that Jesus would’ve been the one to redeem Israel. (Luke 24:19-24)
Jesus rebukes them gently pointing out that everything that happened was prophesied in Scripture. Then he did the most extraordinary thing… ‘And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.’ (Luke 24:27)
Now there’s a Bible class I’d love to have been part of; the word of God explained by the Living Word himself!
I’m strongly engaged by the imagery of a storm door in today’s meditation. The door will only protect us if we go through it to the safety beyond. And, as believers, we know that Christ is both the door – the only door – and also the safe refuge beyond.
‘So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.’ (Romans 10:17)
Bible study is an extraordinary privilege and a great blessing; it really is a bottomless treasure trove. May we come to Scripture with open, eager hearts and hungry, enquiring minds and may we come through Scripture to Christ, the living Word.