“You search the scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very scripture that testify about me yet you refuse to come to me to have life”. John 5:39-40 (NIV)
Growing up I often confused being ‘spiritual’ with being able to quote lots of the bible. Proficiency in doctrine and the ability to debate the finer points of some aspect of theology somehow equated to being a ‘good’ Christian (whatever that is). Jesus tackles the Pharisees about this very thing – they were so determined to be proficient in the scriptures they missed what, or rather whom, the scriptures were all about.
So often we read the bible as a self-help book, a way of finding promises to make us feel better. We even search for that little piece of wisdom we can share with others to ensure we are seen as being really spiritual. It is possible to be a great bible scholar and miss Jesus; the Pharisees knew the words but missed the person who was standing right in front of them!
The bible is all about Jesus; it is a way of drawing us to a greater intimacy with Him. The God who made you, loves you and gave Himself for you wants to speak to you today and reshape your life. Take time to listen to God’s voice and let His words free us from the mould the world squeezes us into.