Long, long ago a word opened …

One little word ignited a passion within me to read and consider what the Bible had to say. It has been some forty years and that word continues as a comforting fireplace that warms my heart. Long, long ago the word that opened my mind was “study.” I do confess, in times that I poured water on the fire, nonetheless, it smoldered within my soul until I threw the water bucket away. He is like that.   

That word study first touched me when I read 2 Timothy 2:15. In the KJV translation we read, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” The word study jumped out at me. That word took me to a place to help me better understand our Lord Creator and Savior.  

Today, new translations are more literal, in example, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (ESV). The ESV, NIV, and other newer versions do not include study. This is not wrong, but accurate. “Study” isn’t in the original Greek text, the 1611 KJV translation added “study” as an inferred understanding of “dividing the word of truth.” That was a tidbit of what one learns when they study.

We must “rightly handle,” or study the Bible if we are to understand the meaning of a word, a verse, or short passage. If we don’t, then we can misunderstand or confuse the true meaning being given us. God has given people His truth, read it, study it – as you read be ready for the Spirit’s whisper, stop reading and listen.

I pray that I have encouraged you to study the Bible, you will discover that Christ is there in humility and love from beginning to end.

Studying his Word,

Owen <><

A Personal Question

Jesus asked his followers a simple question, “Who do you say I am?”  Peter gave a quick and short answer, “The Christ of God.” Peter’s time with Jesus had assured him that he was with the promised Christ or Messiah. The question by Jesus came as they had finished with feeding five thousand by one of Jesus’ miracles. Peter had been with Jesus for a while and observed a man who was humble, gentle, and possessed power over the elements, the illnesses and afflictions people suffered; and spiritual beings.

Now, it is important to recognize that there were two questions asked beforehand, first, “Who do the crowds say I am?” and then, “But what about you?” Good questions then and today. The disciples heard questions and answers ripple through the crowed as to who Jesus was as they were being fed by a miracle. I am sure Peter and other followers listened to the chatter and in amazement, turned to look back at Jesus many times. Similarly, you hear what a pastor, friend, neighbor, nonbeliever, or person of another religious faith has said about Jesus. What Christ asked his followers is still valid today. It is a question to you personally and the answer is yours, not someone else’s opinion.

Who do you say Jesus Christ is?

That simple question determines your life today and what tomorrow will bring.

Answering the question,

Owen

Luke 9:20

“But what about you?” he asked. 

“Who do you say I am?”