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Scriptures are no Puzzle
by A.J. Wilson

“As  newborn  babes,  desire  the sincere  milk  of the word,  that  ye may grow  thereby  If so be  ye have tasted  that  the Lord  is gracious..”

 1 Peter 2:2-3

The Bible has always been an essential part of following God, which was reinforced by our look at how Jesus placed high importance on the scriptures.  The early church also placed high importance to the scriptures as can be seen throughout the New Testament.  Over and over Paul reminded his readers, and co-workers to study the scriptures, and hold fast to his teachings.  (Acts 20:32, 2 Thes 2:15, 1 Tim 4: 6-16, Titus 1:9)  The apostles also added their own emphasis in reading and studying the scriptures (1 Peter 2:2, James 1:25). 

I recently watched the movie National Treasure^© by Disney, in which Benjamin Gates (Nicholas Cage) rushes all over the United States searching for hidden codes, clues, and maps which he felt would allow him to find a great “national treasure.”  Gates risked his life, reputation, and freedom to try to crack the code and find the prize.  Sadly many people will look at the Bible as a code they must crack.  Puzzled by the language, symbolism, breadth, and depth of the Bible and the teachings of God, many people give up trying to read the Bible for themselves and leave it to the ‘professionals’ (pastor, Sunday School teachers, or evangelists.) 

The Bible was meant to be read and understood by all of God’s people.  Some effort may be necessary to understand certain illustrations which were common at the time written, but are not as plain today; yet it is a worthy effort.  I have found that in my study, the more I read and find out about the Bible, the more I yearn to learn, and desire his Word more.  As you make the effort to draw closer to God through reading his Word, the Holy Spirit opens your understanding (John 14:26, 16:13) and allows you to comprehend more. 

Each week we invite you to read this short devotional, but also to take time during your week to look up the Bible references, read the context of the verses, and find your own support from the Bible for the issues discussed.  After all it is each Christian’s responsibility to verify those things which are taught from the scriptures themselves (Acts 17:11).

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