[This is one in a series of devotional reflections prepared for Horley Baptist Church during January 2024]
There are parts of the Bible where, I suspect, many of us rarely go. Certainly, we have our favourite verses, ones that we can quote chapter and verse in a translation of our choice. There are other passages of Scripture that we are familiar with but which are not amongst our favourites, and yet more that we are aware of but seldom read. There are even verses that we dislike or which make us uncomfortable.
Can we justify our selective approach to Scripture? The apostle Paul thought not:
Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us. The Scriptures give us patience and encouragement so that we can have hope. Romans 15 v4 [NCV]
One of the benefits of a reading plan is that it takes us to passages that are not of our choosing. Someone else has decided what we will read each day; hopefully those selections were made under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
If, indeed, we believe that these passages have been chosen by the Holy Spirit then surely we should give more attention to the messages that they contain. It is too easy to speed-read passages, especially when we are familiar with them, and in doing so we miss some of the gems therein. Once again, Paul has a firm opinion:
All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness 2 Timothy 3 v16 [RSV]
Today’s recommended reading in the Essential Jesus series[1] is taken from Psalm 2. This Psalm is attributed to king David around 980BC but it could well have been a response to today’s news headlines.
Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? Psalm 2 v1 [NLT]
Almost everywhere we look we see civil unrest, territorial ambitions and hostilities. We see grandiose schemes that are over-budget and have failed to achieve their objectives. Even in the more peaceful areas there is widespread dissatisfaction. Eugene Peterson offers this rendition of the initial verses of this Psalm:
Why the big noise, nations? Why the mean plots, peoples? Earth-leaders push for position, Demagogues and delegates meet for summit talks, The God-deniers, the Messiah-defiers: “Let’s get free of God!” Psalm 2 v1-3 [The Message]
Returning to our favourite verses, have you tried reading them in an unfamiliar translation? Comparing parallel versions can reveal a diversity of understanding that can enrich our reading. Can you echo the Psalmist’s prayer?
Open my eyes to see the wonderful things in your teachings. Psalm 119 v18 [ICB]
References:
[1] The Essential Jesus
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Last week’s reflection: For Ever and Ever?
Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © Steve Humphreys
Oy Steve. The Message is not a translation. It’s one persons’ opinion of scripture and is often plain wrong!
We can often learn more from those with whom we disagree rather than those who reinforce our own established opinions.
Hi Steve,
Thank you for an interesting thought inspiring text.
Although I believe we should pay attention to all areas of scripture I do seriously wonder why The Song of Solomon was included in the Bible.I had to read a passage from the book in a church. I don’t know who was more embarrassed me or the thankfully small congregation.
Ruth