LifeLink Devotional

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

How can we know that the Bible is true? Jesus answers that question for us in John chapter seven.

John 7:16-18  So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.

When we read the Bible we read it through one of two lenses. Lens number one is built into our sinful human nature. It is the lens of self. Through this lens we see the Bible as a challenge to what we want for ourselves. We read it to find loopholes that permit us to do what pleases us. We study the Bible looking for errors or contradictions so we can justify our self-serving choices. We are convinced that our own will is best for us. We doubt that doing the will of God is beneficial. When we read the Bible through this lens we will not recognize it as the authoritative revelation of God, but instead will cast aside anything that doesn’t fit into our own authority over life.

Lens number two is built into the nature of Jesus which we have received by grace through faith. It is the lens of surrender to His will. When the Bible is read through this lens, we have made the choice to bring our will into agreement with God’s will. We find the words coming alive and touching deep into the very fiber of our existence. We recognize their eternal authority. We are transformed by them. We find them beneficial. We desire more and more understanding as our love for Jesus grows with each word.

The Jews of Jesus’ time were using the first lens to analyze the teachings of Jesus. It left them doubting, confused, and ready to eliminate Him as a threat to their agenda.

You do not need to be like them. Those who believe Him, and choose to do the will of God the Father, will have their eyes opened to see that Jesus is the Messiah, the Holy One of God, and will know that His teaching is from God.

Understanding the Bible is a ministry of the Holy Spirit to us. He is limited only by our choice of lens number one. When we read the Scriptures to gratify self, we will not see it as God’s Word. However, through lens number two, the lens of surrender to God’s will, comes the fullness of God’s revelation directly from the Author with all authority.

Which lens are you using?

Pastor John