In Matthew 22:34-36, Jesus tells us that the Greatest Commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. There’s a lot of emphasis on this commandment. It sums up who we are as Christians and what God has called us to do. But, it’s just a summation of all the commands, thoughts, stories, rules, provisions and ideas that God has provided throughout the Bible. Everything written in the Bible is directed toward Jesus and this commandment.
This means that everything written in the Bible is necessary. If it weren’t important, then God wouldn’t have said it. God doesn’t issue unnecessary commands. His edicts are all applicable as well as worthy of our attention and obedience. If He spoke it into the written Word, then it should be taken seriously.
God wouldn’t declare concepts and ideas that weren’t valuable to Him. God wouldn’t waste His breath (and our time) including ideas that weren’t of any of His concern. The Bible is a significant book full of useful information. He desires for us to seek out His truth. He wants us to live a life pursuing what is beneficial.
It’s not always easy to understand His Word, but if God knew we couldn’t handle that much information, He wouldn’t have made His instructions so immense. It’s helpful to find a translation of the Bible that speaks to you, such as NIV (New International Version), ESV (English Standard Version) or NLT (New Living Translation). Each has its own strengths, as well as snares. Which is why it’s healthy to also look at a variety of translations to better grasp God’s elaborate statements. As your faith increases, look into the original text of scripture. Seek out the meaning of the Greek, Aramaic or Hebrew word that led to the translation you read.
The words of the Bible are the same today as they were when first written, and they are just as relevant now as they were then. This eternal quality makes it important to look at both what the Bible says as well as what it means. The meaning will grow and develop as your faith strengthens and matures. Don’t overlook or brush through parts that don’t seem to connect to your life. Instead, search for the value that God desires for you to find.
God specifically crafted what He wanted us to know about Him, His world, His people, His past, His character, etc. Therefore, we don’t need to question the material of the Bible. However, we do have the privilege of studying His Word, seeking how it applies to our lives, following its direction, obeying its guidance and growing from what we learn. Therefore, we should expect to be challenged, inspired, awed and amazed by God’s wonderful and glorious Word. The Word is valuable and important – all of it, from Genesis to Revelation!
Tell us what part of the Bible once seemed irrelevant or unimportant and how God revealed something new to you. Our walk with the Lord is a lifelong experience, and we love hearing how you’re growing closer to the Lord. Email us, Message us on Facebook or #LessonsFromTheLord on Instagram or Twitter.
