For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
Romans 15:4 NIV
Paul speaks of the weak and the strong here. Of course, it has to be established early that I am not strong by muscles, training or physical connections, but by the empowerment and strength that comes from God. Paul knew and understood this kind of strength, as his life was a daily testament to that empowerment. It is still the same God; He has not changed his mode of operation, and his strength remains free and available to all who seek Him. This grace that comes from God must make me humble and receptive to all that God would have me know. The only way I can know more about God is to search His Word and learn about him. I cannot always rely on the doctrine of men, but as I take time to read and study the Word of God, I know more of him, his will and desire, and his expectations from me.
This is the focus of today's extract: a charge to all of us to seek after the knowledge of God. You won't find it on the pages of newspapers or magazines, or on television shows. These may provide guidance, but they have to point you to the source: the Word of God. If I want to know more about a person, where else do I go but to the writings by that person? Others may know him and write about him, but it would not carry the same weight and validity as the one written by the person I seek to know. The Bible is that authority; the insight into the mind of God; the revelation of his heart, his strength, his love and his grace, as well as his judgments. If I seek a balanced view of God, that is the source to go to.
This balanced view is important. Some people emphasise his love and ignore his judgments. Some speak a lot about his judgments and know nothing about his love. If I will know God indeed, I must have that balanced view. This is why a knowledge of God through his Word is important. In the Bible, we read of his dealings with Israel, as well as his dealings with Sodom and Gomorrah. All were his creation, but with different ends. We read of kings Saul and David, consecutive kings in Israel, but with different ends. We read of prophets like Jeremiah who stayed with God to the end, and we also read of the fake prophets and priests who wanted to kill Jeremiah for delivering God's message in Shiloh.
In all these stories, one thing is clear: God's hand is upon the whole world, and his will and purpose will surely come to pass. These stories show that for all who hold on to God, there is a good end for them. It does not matter if, like Stephen, it ends rough by the standards of the world; what matters is God's view. These stories show that no one puts his trust in God and is disappointed. These words provide encouragement and teach endurance; with God, he is interested more in my character than in my comfort. He does not want me to be careless, but to take caution from all his dealings with man, so that I can walk right with him.
The fact that he does not take me away as soon as I am born again shows that there is an impact I have to make down here. I look forward in hope to a better place. I know that this world is not my home; there is no permanent place for me down here. This world is just a stage; a place for me to show forth the praise of the One who has called me from darkness into his marvelous light, so that when my time in this present world is over, I can move into the eternal dwellings He has prepared for me. That is hope: I have a good future to look forward to, and therefore, I am careful about my present choices and decisions. The secrets are revealed in the Word of God. I have to study the Word so I can grasp the full benefits. What's your decision? God's time of favour is here.
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