Blake Allen, Student and Outreach Minister, LHBC
2 Timothy 3:16-17
“16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
If you have been a Christian for a while, then you may have heard the above verse a time or two. But if we are honest with ourselves, we struggle with this. I mean we are not just talking about John 3:16 or the verses that talk about God being with us in the valleys. We are talking about ALL Scripture.
This includes the book of numbers, the long list of names we skip past when reading over the genealogies, that one book we shy away from, cough.. cough.. Song of Songs–since this may inevitably lead us to have “the talk” with our children, and the hard books of the Bible that trip us up like Revelation or Daniel. We are comfortable reading and teaching parts of Scripture but what about the rest?
When we stray away from these difficult books I wonder if our actions say “all Scripture is God breathed.” Further, I wonder if we are missing out God’s blessing in our life given from the whole counsel of God. I mean, the first chapter in Revelation says those who read it are “blessed”. It actually says this twice, emphasizing we should read the letter.
Reading difficult books takes work and effort. But the fruit received from studying God’s inspired word is worth the effort. The blessings we received in hearing a word from God is worth it.
Next time you come across a difficult passage and you’re tempted to skip over it, remember that God has given you the Holy Spirit who guides us in our understanding of all revelation. Remember that His word inspired and God-breathed. And just sit and meditate on it, for it will be a blessing to your life.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Heavenly Father, grant us wisdom and understanding in your word. We need your Holy Spirit to guide us. May we treasure a word from you. In Jesus name, Amen.
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Psalm 46:11
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.