What effect does the word of God have on you? I know that there are passages of scripture that force us to deal with our failings, that remind us that we are not who God created us to be. But taken as a whole the Bible is a story of good news, the very best of news in fact. God’s love and mercy are there for us and God has never given up on God’s people. A small reminder of this comes from our Old Testament reading this morning. “And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them” (Nehemiah 8:12).
When the people understood the word that was read to them their reaction was one of great joy. Yes, there are disturbing images in scripture, and yes there are times for sorrow and remorse, but once we understand what we are reading we will see that God remains closely connected to us and concerned for us. Jesus Christ is the fullest example of God’s love and grace. And though the people of Nehemiah’s time knew nothing of Jesus, they could still see that God was at work in the world and in their lives. They would never walk alone.
When you encounter scripture, when you begin to understand God’s word, what effect does it have on you? If it fills you with joy, with the warmth of God’s abiding grace, then I suspect you are beginning to see what it’s all about.
Prayer: Lord, we praise you this day for the good news of all you have done for us and through us. In Jesus name. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment