And That Means?

A beautiful scene, some thoughtful words – but what does it mean?

My uncle doesn’t accept such beauty nor thoughtful words at first view. I had a copy of Desiderata on my refrigerator when they visited. He asked about it, what did it mean, why did I choose it? My answer? Because it looked good. I hadn’t really read the entire page.

When I did, it was pretty much filled with platitudes. The words sounded nice, “Go placidly amidst the noise and haste.” That’s why there’s a quiet meadow in the background – not the six-lane highway making it’s way across the metroplex, filled with traffic making both noise and haste. Having a bit of silence there would be peaceful, wouldn’t it.

The remaining article has about as much relevance, but I’m not picking on this particular piece – we see them often on line, select them to share with others when we find one that tugs at our emotions. We seldom check for the source, even less do we look at the author’s background or look for the full article to see the context.

Too often people look at the Bible that same way. A verse here, a verse there, looking at one that fits their lifestyle, putting away those that really don’t fit or raise questions. These books are not just designed to decorate walls, they are to be read, studied – in depth and in context. That’s why one of my favorite verses, used over and over on this blog, is:

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (Acts 17:11 KJV)

The result of those searches?

Therefore many of them believed; (Acts 17:12a KJV)

What did Thessalonica do that was wrong? They did not receive the word with an open mind – and they did not do their due diligence to see if what was said could possibly be true.  Their minds were made up that these men were liars. Yet Jesus said:

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. (John 5:39 KJV)

He spoke of Himself and scriptures another time, on the road to Emmaus:

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. (Luke 24:27 KJV)

Do you know what Jesus said about Himself? Several Bible have His words in red so it’s obvious what He said. Do you know where the conversations took place? Who was with Him? Was He addressing a few, many or through all time?

How can you tell unless you read?  Don’t you need to know who wrote the book? When? what was happening at that time in history?

There’s so much more, especially read in prayer. Then we can fix our error, know the scripture and the power of God.

Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. (Matthew 22:29 KJV)