August 3, 2018: SOAP #3165   Nahum 1-3; John 5

Scripture:  John (NIV) 5:39 You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

Observation:   Jesus was speaking to the Jewish Religious leaders who took great pride in knowing and studying the writings of Moses and the Prophets.  They were considered experts in the law.  They could quote it; they could use it to condemn others; but they could not see that its purpose was to lead them to Jesus, the Promised Messiah!

The ones who best knew the Written Word missed the Living Word to whom the scriptures pointed!  We need the ministry of the Holy Spirit to draw us to Jesus!

Application:  The two men on the road to Emmaus had a personal eye-opening conference with the post-resurrection Jesus who revealed how that he had just fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies.  (Luke 24:13-27) I need the Holy Spirit to give me such a conference as I read God’s Word.

(I cannot help but wonder if something similar is happening today.  I wonder if those who best know the scriptures about end-time prophecy might not be missing a key truth to unlock God’s plan for the future.  Maybe Jesus will conduct prophecy-conferences in heaven explaining how the end-time prophecies were fulfilled.  If so, I want to be on the front row!)

Prayer:      Jesus, it is not how well I know the scriptures that matter, it is how well I know you!  You are the reason to study the scriptures!  The more I want to know you, the more I will study the scriptures.  Holy Spirit, open my understanding as I read the Bible.  Reveal to me the Living Word as I read the written Word.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!