the Third Week after Easter
Click to donate today!
Daily Devotionals
Grace for Today
Psalms 119:58
‘According to thy word’
Read Lamentations 3:21-26
The apostle Paul, writing by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, tells us plainly what God’s intention, purpose and design are in giving us the inspired volume of Holy Scripture: ‘Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope’ (Romans 15:4).
1. The Word of God was written for our learning. It was not written simply for us to learn the facts of Bible history, the ways of morality, or even mere doctrinal truth. It is good to learn these things; but the intent of Scripture is far more practical and beneficial. The Word of God has been given to us so that we might learn the way of life, salvation and peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. Everything in the book of God speaks about and reveals the Son of God (Luke 24:27; Luke 24:44-47; John 5:39; Acts 10:43). The purpose of God in giving us his Word is that we might know his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and be saved by him.
2. God has given us the Scriptures to teach us patience. Patience is that calm, even temper and unruffled spirit with which believing men and women bear the evils of life. Our Lord’s admonition to us is ‘in patience possess ye your souls’ (Luke 21:19). Patience waits upon the Lord. Patience is resignation of the heart to the will of God (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:6). If we believe God, we can wait upon him with ease and expectation.
3. God has given us his Word so that we meant enjoy the comfort of the Scriptures. The fact that God is my Father fills me with comfort. The gospel of God, the character of God, the providence of God and the promises of God are wells of consolation for the believing soul.
4. God has given us this blessed volume so that we might live in the hope of the Scriptures. Faith primarily looks to the past, trusting what Christ has accomplished. Hope is based upon and arises from faith. Hope looks to the future, anticipating all that Christ has promised.
