The more I study the Bible independently—not simply reading it, but getting into the meaning of words, the Hebrew or Greek underlying the translation, reviewing commentaries, and contrasting the many teaching that I have been exposed to—the more I realize how much has been “added to” the Word of God. It concerns me, but it also challenges me to hold myself to being independent in my study, taking in the Word of God first as I seeking to comprehend it. It also requires me to invest me time in connecting the Old Testament and the New Testament and absorbing the entirety of God’s Word. I need to know and understand the underlying scripture before I can understand in my heart (and my head) what is being said.

We are blessed to have God’s Word; it is readily available. I think we often take that for granted. Can you imagine a time when you could not pick up a Bible and read God’s Word? Can you imagine having to rely solely on what someone tells you the Bible says?

Many today are still in that position throughout the world. They do not have access either because a Bible isn’t available, or they can’t read or write. It may also be that they are at risk because the Bible is outlawed where they live.

How blessed we are to have God’s Word at hand, in our hands, and the ability to read it, and the ability to study it. We are custodians of the Word. We are accountable to ensure:

Deuteronomy 4:2 (KJV 1900)

2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.

We are also to keep the Word alive in our hearts and in the world…

Deuteronomy 4:4 (KJV 1900)

4 But ye that did cleave unto the Lord your God are alive every one of you this day.

We are to know and keep God’s Word in our daily lives and actions.We are to be obedient to God.

Deuteronomy 4:5 (KJV 1900)

5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.

To gain wisdom and understanding, we need to be in the Word daily. From the Word we gain understanding of how different we are and how blessed we are to know God’s statutes for living. We set ourselves apart as a people (Christians) when we live the Word.

Deuteronomy 4:6 (KJV 1900)

6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.

Deuteronomy 4:7 (KJV 1900)

7 For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for?

Deuteronomy 4:8 (KJV 1900)

8 And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?

We are also charged with keeping the Word alive through teaching the next generation. We teach it through our actions, through our study of the Word with our families, and through participating in Bible study programs.

Deuteronomy 4:9 (KJV 1900)

9 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons;

Deuteronomy 4:24 (KJV 1900)

24 For the Lord thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.

I am so glad that God is jealous of the relationship He has with me. He loves me and wants me to be close to Him. I am drawn more completely to god, when I am engaged in knowing Him and sharing my self through my time and efforts to know His Word completely.

 

 

Author:  Lea A. Strickland, MBA CMA CFM CBM GMC
Copyright ©2012 Lea A. Strickland
All Rights Reserved

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