THE GREATEST OF ALL

SCRIPTURE OF INTEREST

[Heb 4:12 KJV] 12 For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

MY COMMENTARY

THE GREATEST OF ALL

As you look at the title you might be wondering what could be the greatest of all. Now that I have you thinking on what the answer might be let me say that there are things in life throughout history that can fit into that category. The greatest of all could apply to: “Who is the greatest hockey player of all time?” or, “Who is the greatest football player of all time?” or, “Who is the greatest Prime Minister of Canada of all time?” and so the list goes on. But in my subject today it has to do with the greatest of all books that have ever been written is the Bible.

Now the Bible, whatever version you might have, consists of 66 books and that is why it is referred to as the Book of books, and is comprised of the Old Testament which contains 39 books and the New Testament which contains 27 books.

The Bible was written over a period of 1500 to 1600 years by approximately 40 men. These men were chosen of God representing different backgrounds. They were kings, peasants, poets, military and religious leaders who came from different educational makeup, different cities and different interests.

In reading the Bible you will discover that it covers many different subjects, like history, prophecy, poetry, wise sayings called proverbs and many other topics that pertain to different aspects of life. Overall the Bible is about God’s dealings with mankind.

Human beings throughout history have wondered and have asked a lot of questions such as; “Why am I here?” or, “What is the purpose of life especially since we are born and then we die?” or, “Is there life after death?” So, we need something that gives us answers to these questions and directions or a road map for life. Without it humans tend to turn to their ideas of life which leads to confusion and destruction. Jeremiah the prophet describes it well when he says this [Jer 2:13 ESV] 13 for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water. Choosing our own way means that we abandon God’s ways which lead to life and choose something that creates problems. [Pro 14:12 ESV] 12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

God loves you and me and so He has given the Bible, the Word of God to show us the way. [Psa 119:105 ESV] 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. You might say that man wrote the Bible and so how can anyone believe it to be true. It is true that humans wrote the Bible but it was God who inspired these people to convey the message that He had for us concerning His plans and purposes. [2Pe 1:21 KJV] 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.

Men who wrote the Bible were divinely inspired which means the Holy Spirit put in the author’s minds thoughts of what God wanted them to write. [2Ti 3:16-17 KJV] 16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.  It is very clear that Scriptures were given to us through men inspired by God to convey to us instructions for right living because He desires our highest good. He knows that when we do not live according to His principles we hurt ourselves. The best way to avoid hurting ourselves and avoid everlasting separation from God is to follow His Word closely. [Pro 4:20-22 ESV] 20 My son, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. 21 Let them not escape from your sight; keep them within your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh. If we adhere to His word it works for our good. [Psa 119:11 KJV] 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Of course someone might say, “Yes, but we are all living in the 21^st century and how can the Bible be relevant for us today?” Well, the Bible tells us that Jesus never changes. [Heb 13:8 KJV] 8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever. Scripture also points to the fact that God’s Word is established for all time. [Psa 119:89 KJV] 89 Forever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Jesus also said [Mat 24:35 KJV] 35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. Based on just a few verses God’s Word does not change for anyone. The truth of God’s Word applies to every person for all time.

Let’s examine a few verses to support what we just said: [Jhn 3:16 KJV] 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. It is very plain as to what this verse is saying. If you believe on Jesus as Saviour and Lord you will receive everlasting life. In the next verse we see this [Jhn 5:39-40 KJV] 39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me. 40 And ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life. Jesus rebukes the religious folks for looking at Scripture as their life instead of doing what it actually says. Jesus says that Scripture speaks of Him as the one who gives life and they simply will not come to Him. This message is for everyone who will simply come to Jesus and receive that which He has for them.

Scripture points out that if we want what He has in store for us we must study and do what He requires of us. [2Ti 2:15 KJV] 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. I find that as I get into His Word and study it by memorizing and meditating on it that it inspires me by creating a hunger for more. Not only that but walking in His word by doing what it says builds my faith and prepares me for ministry.

We must also realize that this is no ordinary book. This is the Word of God which speaks of God who is all-knowing, all-powerful and all-present which presents a very interesting situation about our ability to interpret Scripture. Therefore, we need to ask Him to help us to understand what He is telling us. If you do not pursue this type of reasoning then you will come to the wrong conclusion as to its message. You will end up saying this is the most boring book and absolutely a waste of time. But if you approach it from the point of view that God can help you understand what He is telling you then this will change the dynamic.

After spending time with His disciples for 3 and half years, after His resurrection He reminded them of His mission and still they could not understand the message until He opened their understanding. [Luke 24:44-45 KJV] 44 And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spoke unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me. 45 Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures. This still remains true today.

My friend I am sharing this important truth with you so that you would realize that the Bible is the foundation to our Christian faith. Get into the Word and pray that God will help you in your quest to know and understand the truth. God’s Word is the bread of life.

JUST ONE MORE THOUGHT

Read this devotional the other day and felt it was important enough for me to share it with you.

>> HOW DO WE KNOW THE LORD IS AT WORK? Sometimes we see a dramatic display like the parting of the Red Sea for the Israelites. Other times it seems God isn’t doing anything, as when Jesus delayed visiting Mary and Martha’s sick brother (John 11:3 – 6).

 Our Father has given us the Holy Spirit to help us recognize His presence and handiwork. But discerning God’s work also requires patience since the Lord operates according to His timetable, not ours. Remember, before Sarah conceived the child promised by God, Abraham has to wait until he and his wife were beyond childbearing years.

 I believe you will discover that the Lord’s efforts are worth the wait. Hannah was overjoyed when she finally bore a child (1 Samuel 1:27 – 2:1). And only after being sold into slavery and unjustly imprisoned was Joseph eventually elevated to a position of authority to help his family.                                               

 Jesus told the disciples that His Father was always at work and so was He. When we recognize the ways in which God is operating, we will be encouraged and  strengthened in our faith.

          >> Presented by Charles Stanley.