April 1

Written by Bill Grandi on April 1st, 2020

Have you ever read a Scripture before-perhaps hundreds of times-and either not really paid attention or never really grasped its weight? I have. In fact, today’s Scripture is one of them. I actually read this passage a couple of days ago and it stopped me in my tracks as its meaning hit me. I revisited it this morning. Here is the Scripture: “You search the Scripture because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness of me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.” (John 5:39-40)  The old KJV gave it as an imperative: “Search the Scripture…”  It is true the word “search” can be seen as a command, but it is better seen as implying diligent scrutiny in investigating the Scripture.

As I’ve tried to read more on apologetics, once common strain seems to come out. Many (most) agnostics and atheists know the Scriptures better than many who say they are followers of Jesus. Of course, their knowledge is just that-knowledge. Head knowledge. They have done what Jesus describes here. They know the Scriptures “but refuse to come to Him that they may have life.” In the Pharisees’ efforts to be religious they knew the law of the Scripture, but they did not know the heart of the Scripture. All they had pointed to Jesus as Messiah, but they never saw it.  They knew the Scriptures alright, but not the One they pointed to.

That begs the question: how do I know the Scripture? As a club to be wielded or as a light pointing to the True Light-Jesus?

“Father, as I read and study the Scriptures, make Yourself clearer to me. Help me to continue learning truths from Your Word. Let me read the Scriptures as life that point me to You.”

 

8 Comments so far ↓

  1. Great point, Bill. I had the honor of being Caregiver for my beloved friend once she entered the Hospice program. I was with her through to the beginning of her new life in Heaven. The last year and a half of her life, she spend an average of 8 hours a day scrutinizing The Word – most of the time, she wouldn’t even stop to eat. Oh, the revelations she had and shared with me. Oh, The Glory of The Word of God!!!! Truly, is is Life and gives Life!

    • Bill Grandi says:

      Thanks Diane. I suspect that friends whom you were a caregiver for was deeply appreciative of your involvement in her last days.

  2. Ryan S. says:

    Great reminder Bill!

    It is not about the knowledge, it is about the relationship.

  3. This is precisely why I’m loving my new Jesus Bible, Bill. All the commentary in the Old Testament brings Jesus to life even there, pointing toward His eventual coming into the world. It’s such a blessing to me, especially in these days.

    • Bill Grandi says:

      Sounds like an interesting Bible Martha. All pointing to Jesus is exactly right.

  4. floyd says:

    Powerful verse. And yes, knowing someone or something isn’t the same as loving them or it.

    All of life is a choice. I think the religious leaders were blinded by their greed. They were protecting their business interests. Money still brings out the worst in most people.

    • Bill Grandi says:

      I agree Floyd. All of life is a choice. I pray my choices honor the Father, the giver of every good and perfect gift.