2/6/17
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.
Our reading from Psalm 119:1-8 points up the importance of God’s Word. Why do Christians dedicate themselves to Bible reading and study? It is because God’s word is good. We confess that the very same Lord who made heaven and earth and who filled them with all creatures is the one who knows how it all works. Where does confidence come from? It comes from walking in the ways of God. Where will our conscience be informed? It will be informed by God’s commands.
Some people complain that it is fruitless to depend on the Bible for a moral code, for ethics, for directions in how to govern life. Why not do what seems right to yourself? My question is how our conscience is going to be informed. If, as the Bible says, humans are born with a sinful nature, our own inborn sensibilities are flawed at best. In fact, when we engage in behaviors which are socially helpful, which care for our neighbor and our world, we are doing things which the Bible clearly says to do.
Why not look to the Bible rather than make all the mistakes ourselves? Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD (v. 1, ESV)!
Before we become arrogant, we should ask about failure. I trust I am not the only one who has failed at being blameless. See how in verse 5 the Psalmist seeks guidance and strength? See how in verse 8 he asks for forgiveness? The same God who gave comands could certainly forsake his people when they are disobedient. He wouldn’t actually have to give a reason. But he has given a way of forgiveness to all who believe. The same Bible that gives God’s commands shows that Jesus fulfilled those commands in the place of all who live and die on this earth. Our forgiveness is found through trust in his perfect obedience. Blessed are those who seek the Lord.
If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.
Our reading from Psalm 119:1-8 points up the importance of God’s Word. Why do Christians dedicate themselves to Bible reading and study? It is because God’s word is good. We confess that the very same Lord who made heaven and earth and who filled them with all creatures is the one who knows how it all works. Where does confidence come from? It comes from walking in the ways of God. Where will our conscience be informed? It will be informed by God’s commands.
Some people complain that it is fruitless to depend on the Bible for a moral code, for ethics, for directions in how to govern life. Why not do what seems right to yourself? My question is how our conscience is going to be informed. If, as the Bible says, humans are born with a sinful nature, our own inborn sensibilities are flawed at best. In fact, when we engage in behaviors which are socially helpful, which care for our neighbor and our world, we are doing things which the Bible clearly says to do.
Why not look to the Bible rather than make all the mistakes ourselves? Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD (v. 1, ESV)!
Before we become arrogant, we should ask about failure. I trust I am not the only one who has failed at being blameless. See how in verse 5 the Psalmist seeks guidance and strength? See how in verse 8 he asks for forgiveness? The same God who gave comands could certainly forsake his people when they are disobedient. He wouldn’t actually have to give a reason. But he has given a way of forgiveness to all who believe. The same Bible that gives God’s commands shows that Jesus fulfilled those commands in the place of all who live and die on this earth. Our forgiveness is found through trust in his perfect obedience. Blessed are those who seek the Lord.
If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.
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