Romans 15:4-6

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.” vs. 4

Paul knew the Hebrew scriptures well and they provided solid guidance as he tried to make sense of the cross in his communication with early followers of Jesus. As we read his letters we find frequent quotations from the psalms and prophets, passages carefully chosen to encourage his readers and give them hope. The scriptures we have adopted as a community of faith are more extensive than those available to Paul and even include many of his letters. These writings are like a family history for us and should be cherished and used for meditation. Without them we probably would know nothing of Jesus or his teachings. As Martin Luther put it, “The scriptures are the cradle in which we find the Christ.” As will be obvious to anyone who reads it, the bible is not easy to understand and has many parts that are obscure and even contradictory. It’s been abused and misused time and again, and has even been used to create divisions in the Body of Christ. Verses are taken out of context and used like weapons against opponents. Often it’s seen as a book of rules rather than a book of grace. Paul’s words remind us that the bible is intended for our encouragement that we might have hope. As we meditate on its verses in this season of waiting that’s exactly what we will receive.

Thought for the Day: What has the bible meant in my life?