JUST THINKING: God's Word - From the Past For the Present

      I was just thinking about how many today misinterpret and mismanage the Scriptures. A growing belief is that the Bible is an antiquated book that has no relevance in today’s culture. For that reason, the need for strong preaching and teaching is so important as we face life in these last days.

A Paramount Truth

         The apostle Paul was adept in what we call the Old Testament. His many references to the Scriptures should not be overlooked or taken lightly. As he was encouraging his young protégé, Timothy, he emphasized, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (II Tim. 3:16 NIV1984). The Bible is not just a good read. It is an instruction book full of God’s purpose for the people of God.

From the Past

         God, who never changes, has given us His Word, which never changes. From the last book of the Old Testament, “I the Lord do not change” (Mal. 3:6). Notice this: society, culture, opinion and positions on the Scriptures change, but the Word of God never changes. According to the gospel of John, Jesus is the Word of God. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb. 13:8). So, if God is unchanging and Jesus is unchanging — no matter what era of time — God’s Word is unchanging!

For the Present

         The Word of God is not restricted to the time of the apostles, the early church or the Reformation. It applies to us today. It is for instruction, but it is also for encouragement. “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Rom. 15:4).

God’s Purposeful Promise

         For decades, I have been a teaching pastor. To be such, a pastor must devote himself to the study of the Bible. Today, in pulpits around the world, preachers are serving their congregations “junk food” instead of “feasts of the Word.” Be assured that praying for your pastor is of utmost importance. God has given this promise about His inspired Word if he rightly imparts the Word, whether a 10-minute homily or a 40-minute sermon: “So is my word that goes from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isa. 55:11). The psalmist sang, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path” (Psa. 119:103-104).

      May God’s Word, which was given in the past, be just exactly that for us who live today!