In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. John 1:1-3 NIV
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. Hebrews 1:3 NIV
You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. John 5:39-40 NIV
A friend wrote to me this week: “Isn’t this a great quote? ‘Don’t try to master the Bible. Let the Bible master you.’” I haven’t answered him yet. I understand the heart of that statement, but it’s enough off base it deserves a hard look. Simple truth is, our faith is not based on a book, even on the Bible. Our faith is based on an event – the resurrection of Jesus Christ. If there was no resurrection, there would be no Bible. We would simply have what the Jews have, the Law and the Prophets. The early church didn’t have a Bible. But they changed the world forever. They were immersed in Jesus.
The four Gospels were written so that those who had not personally known Jesus in the flesh would know the truth of Jesus’ life, ministry, and mission. The letters of the New Testament were letters from “pastors,” shepherds of the flock, to help them in practically following Jesus. The truthful fact is that from those days until today, all around the world there will be more people spending forever in the presence of God who never had access to the Bible than ones who did. But they all had access to Jesus.
This is not to disrespect the Bible. It is a tremendous gift from God, and as Paul said, it is useful for “teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living” (2 Timothy 3:16). But if you want to have faith that transforms and changes you, it’s not by gaining knowledge. To be honest, simply reading the Bible will change you – and it may change you into a judgmental, self-righteous person, fixated on the wrong things. Unfortunately, religious Bible-quoting Christians have often acquired a sad reputation for being nothing like Jesus. Jesus Himself told the very Scripture-entrenched Pharisees that they thought mastering the Scripture would give them life – but only He could, and they were missing Him.
If you want your faith to grow, if you want a relationship with God that is what God desires to have with you, keep your focus on Jesus. He IS God and exactly portrays God’s character and person. If it doesn’t pass the “smell test,” if it doesn’t look or sound like Jesus, it’s not God. Spend your energy getting acquainted with Jesus. That’s the Word your Father wants you to know best.
- The four Gospels have 102 chapters. From today, September 18, there are 105 days until the end of the year. Why not start with Matthew 1 today and read one chapter a day until the end of the year? You’ll get a new grip on the Word.