“As the Scripture said”…

We recently had our grandchildren over for a two night stay. Steve and I went to a local store similar to the 99cent store, and picked up a game and a puzzle book so that we could all be engaged in some fun activities. We also braved the church picnic with all three children in tow. We survived! Between making pancakes for breakfast (it’s a must, and don’t forget the chocolate chips) playing the games and church related activities, it was to say the least a busy two days. There is however a priority that Steve and I have held to whenever our grands come to visit. Bible devotions! In the morning during breakfast and before bed we devote that time to God’s word. It’s not always formal and sometimes it’s even silly (thanks to papa) but we all know this is what papa and nana Wilburn do. This is the most impressionable time in the human heart and until the Lord takes me home I want to instill truth, God’s truth in their hearts.

How many times had Jesus, whether teaching would be followers or when under attack from His enemies referred to scripture? In John 7 we see the various reactions that people had toward Him. Unbelief from His own family, divided opinions among the crowd, and the persecution of the religious leaders. As per usual Jesus unflinchingly differed to scripture. Jesus never tried to argue His authenticity (being the Messiah sent from God) based on anything less than what was already written in the sacred documents that the Jews claimed to know and honor.

Listen to Jesus’ invitation in the midst of this drama. “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water (vs.37-38). Jesus referred to the “Scripture” because it was the very Word of His Father and, the supreme authority of His life and teaching. Scripture is also the supreme authority for the Christian.

As a pastors wife I am becoming more and more aware of how the scriptures are being distorted and re-imagined. Large evangelical movements are spinning doctrine to appease the culture as though we need to soften the rough edges of truth. In the end it’s no longer truth. Ecclesiastical traditions, prophecies, supposed new revelations, doctrines, or human ideas must always be tested against the written word of God.

Let us all accept His beautiful and life transforming invitation. But let us come to Him for who He is and the authority of His eternal standard of truth. As the scripture said! Not only do the tender hearts of our children need truth as the scripture said, in these last days the church would do well to examine everything as the scripture said.