This verse indicates that when we read the Word of God there should be a holy conviction in the deepest part of ourselves. Such a conviction may be in either a positive or negative light. For example, it could be something which God has shown us about Himself or His character that we are compelled to share with others (positive), or it could be something that corrects a certain prejudice or belief the reader holds about God, himself, his spiritual walk, etc... (negative). Note that while I classify the latter as negative, the end result after conviction and upon repentence/understanding a deeper Truth through the Word is absolutely positive. As a matter of fact, I would argue this is one of the best ways to be corrected and to learn, from the Truth of God's Word.
I was convicted in this way recently. I am reading through the Gospel of John, and a verse in the fifth chapter struck me. Jesus has some harsh words for the Jews in John 5:39-40, "39You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, 40yet you refuse to come to me to have life." Jesus' words struck me here because I felt like, at least according to verse 39, Jesus was talking about me. I certainly do 'diligently study the Scriptures,' and I think that by them they help me understand how and why I do possess eternal life. But after reading verse 40, I was in fervent prayer about coming to Jesus in order to receive life. I want to come to Him; I don't want to be the one who refuses. The fear of God strikes me when I think about having a Pharisaic faith, one based on memorization of the Law vs. learning Scripture by heart, one based on do's and dont's vs. being compelled by Christ's love to act/behave in a Christ-like manner, one that diligently studies the Scriptures to find life vs. coming to Jesus, the Author of Life. It makes me shudder, and fall to my knees asking for God's mercy. Lord knows I desire to study the Scriptures, but Lord help me if it is because of some self-righteous sort of motivation. I want to know Jesus and come closer to Him by my study. I DO NOT want to be the one who studies but refuses to come to Him.
A few days after reading this, I was put at ease when I read through John 8. Jesus is again speaking to the Jews, and again scolding them for their unbelief after He gives compelling reasons through compelling speech as to why He is the Light of the World (John 8:12). Specifically verses 42-47 caught my eye this time, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here... Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say... He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."
I DO hear Jesus. I DO love Him. His speech is blatently clear to me - He is the Son of the living God, the Messiah, the one about whom the Scriptures testify. It is for these reasons, among others, that I know I'm on the right track - it's all because of Him, who He is, and what He has done. The fact that I can catch even a piece of that is only by grace, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). Amen.The main reason I write about this experience/conviction is to say that we always must be in the position to be corrected by the Word of God. This keeps you in spiritual check, and keeps spiritual pride from becoming your vice. So, if you or I are not in that position of humility, where we can be corrected by God's Word, or even more so, where we can welcome that holy conviction and correction, get there by surrendering your life and your will to Jesus Christ.
And that will do it for now.
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