“You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.” Matthew 22:29 (NIV)
Five days until death would be conquered.
Five days to teach, to love, and to encourage.
In Mark 11:12-14, Jesus left Bethany. After starting on this journey, He felt hungry. Seeing a fig tree, He walked to it. I can picture Him imagining how delicious the fruit would taste, how filling figs would be, in this moment of empty stomach pangs.
Yet, when Jesus checked the tree, there was no fruit. The tree was out of season. Jesus then cursed the tree so that it would never produce fruit again. It was not ready when He was ready to utilize it.
How often are we humans the same? We aren’t ready for use by God when He is ready to utilize us? We need to always be prepared. We need to be ready at any moment, not just the convenient times.
We need to know His word. Knowing His word lays the foundation when He’s calling us to construction.
We are often called to build others up. We can’t help others find the Truth if we ourselves don’t know it.
But the Bible is so long, so many pages.
We start by reading one page, one chapter at a time. Sometimes, I find a few pages or a few chapters can sink into my soul at once. Other times, like in the book of James or Proverbs, I need to read a line or two and contemplate what it really means. How to truly implement that instruction into my daily life.
We are not required to know it all today. We just need to make a little progress almost every day.
Spending time in His word grounds our faith. We understand the protection God is offering us through our own obedience. His commands no longer feel like a list of do’s and don’ts, but careful directions to follow to a blessed, peaceful life.
His word is a love letter to us. An instruction manual as well. Words of both wisdom and tenderness whispered to our very souls. He clearly articulates the consequences of following or disobeying His commands. The choice is ultimately ours.
To make that choice, we need to fully understand our options. To decide how we want to live, we need to comprehend what He is asking of us.
In this season of Lent, leading us up to Easter, Let’s make studying Scripture a priority. Let’s make knowing His word important in our days.
When we do, we will grow in faith, and better serve both God and those in our path.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your Word. Thank you for Your instructions and explanations. Help me discover how easily I can work studying Your word in my life. May I learn what Scripture says so I can draw closer to You. Thank You that I have access to it, and that You promise the Holy Spirit will help me understand it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.