Mark 1:21-22 - Jesus and his companions now arrived at
the town of Capernaum and on Saturday morning went into the Jewish place of
worship—the synagogue—where he preached. The
congregation was surprised at his sermon because he spoke as an authority and
didn’t try to prove his points by quoting others—quite unlike what they were
used to hearing!(TLB)
Mark begins his book with the preaching of
John the Baptist…the messenger Isiah prophesied would prepare the hearts of man
for the Messiah. Jesus was baptized and began His ministry by healing…casting
out demons….and teaching in the synagogue whenever He had the chance. They were
always amazed by His teaching because He quoted the scriptures that had been
collected up to that time….not any other man who had interpreted them before.
Jesus had a confidence that we should all
have if we have spent time studying the Bible….and asking God to reveal the meaning
and insights he placed there for us. He didn’t need to quote the most popular
Rabbi of the day. His father had
revealed it directly to Him in the many times He spent with him in prayer and
meditation.
It is area reminder to me to spend as much
time as I can reading and meditating on His word. But more important than just
reading the many words on the page…I need to ask God every time I open His book
to reveal to me what each word means for my life. I need to ask Him for the
confidence Jesus used when He taught others so that I never mislead anyone from
what God originally intended.
One other thought….be careful if you choose
just one translation when you are studying. They are all different paraphrases
of the original Greek and Hebrew texts. Even the King James Bible was not
translated exactly from the original scrolls. I am so thankful that God has
made so easily available many different ways to research the words that God
ordained and spirit breathed into those writers….so that I can meditate on His words…not
the words of the men who translated it into English for us.
Father…thank you for allowing the scriptures
you knew would help us live a Christian life to be collected and printed in my
own language. Forgive me when I use just
one version of the Bible for my study…because I like the way it is worded. Help me to be a diligent student…asking
always for your guidance and help in interpreting what I read. Provide for me
the discernment to know when to research a passage farther than just the
commentaries I have on hand. Place a passion in me to research as much as I
need to understand it fully…and not give up because I am tired or think I
already know. Amen.
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