4 amazing characteristics of the Word (by Musings of a Pilgrim)
The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statues of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. (Ps.19:7)
How do you view the Bible? Be honest. Is it just a story book? Do you find it too hard to understand? Do you find that there are big holes and contradictions in it? Does the Bible have any positive impact in you at all? Or is it just a nice book of ethics that is just too hard to live out?
There are a few characteristics of the Bible in today's reading to ponder upon.
1) The Law of the Lord is perfect. Well, we have hit on the big one already. Do you believe that this Book is the Book of God? Written by Him over thousands of years through multiple authors. That God Himself breathed upon every word that is written (2 Tim. 3:16). When people present to me the apparent "contradictions", it often stems from a position of cultural or linguistic ignorance. A slightly deeper uncovering of the text often reveals that there was no contradiction at all. Although to be frank, I do concede there are things the Bible says that may be difficult to understand and where there is no concrete proof currently. But this is very different from "contradictions". Just because we (humans) don't understand it, does not disqualify it as truth. How arrogant we are if we hold to such a position. We would be claiming that we were God Himself - to know everything there is possibly to know so that we can dismiss it as false. But as far as I know, the Bible has always proven itself over time - especially through archaeological findings that ratifies its claims of people and places that many doubted before but are now silenced in their accusations.
2) Refreshing the soul. This book is not just any book. Yes, it has amazing stories that touches and challenges us. Yes, it has an ethical standard that if all humans could attain would change our world. But most of all, there is power imbued in its pages. The Words of God are meant for the consummation of the soul. Jesus Himself proclaims that "my food is to do the will of Him who sent me" (Jn. 4:34). When we truly allow the Words of God to not just enter our brain but into our hearts, our soul will be fed. There is an "itch" within each of us that can only be "scratched" by God Himself. There is life in His words. There is power in His words. There is rest and refreshment when we meditate upon His words.
3) Trustworthy. God gave us His words to be a lamp unto our feet and a light for our path (Ps. 119:105). In this world of uncertainties, there is only one certainty - our unchangeable God. God's Words will never fail us. His thoughts towards His children are always good. There may be times when we just don't understand why He commands certain things of us. It is only when we look retrospectively with the benefit of time and experience that we may finally understand that His intention was always good and faithful towards us. To date, God's Words had never failed me. What He said He will do, He did. He is a rock, a sure foundation in my life.
4) Making wise the simple. This is a strange phraseology. How do I become wise? The Bible itself reminds us that the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord (Ps. 111:10). Why is wisdom to know and follow Him? Because all things on this earth will pass away one day. Even the knowledge I gather in my PhD will disappear. But there is one thing that will never pass away - the Words of the Lord. So for those who spend their life to know God better are truly wise and immensely blessed.
So what do the Words of God mean to you? Would you agree with the assessment of King David?
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