December 11, 2010

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, correcting, rebuking, and training a person in right living, that the person of God may be equippped for every good work. II Timothy 3:16

This is a verse I often use to remind myself and others of the critical importance of God's Word. The verse carries a great message, but I want us to only look at two words--"All Scripture."

Remember, when Paul wrote these words to his young aide, the only Scripture recorded was what we call the Old Testament. Paul's letters to the young churches and to several individuals were vitally imortant, but we have no reason to believe that he expected those writings to be included in a later canon of Scipture. But they are included, so now we must assume that "all" means the entire Bible, Old and New Testaments.

So what is the value of our reading brief passages of Scripture as we prepare for our Christmas celebration? That becomes obvious when we remember that this is not just a daily exercise. As we read, the Word itself will "teach, correct, rebuke, and train us." God is not just getting us ready for Christmas but teaching us about himself, getting us ready for life! So I must write carefully, and all of us must look and listen carefully to the reference verses.

Father, day by day, teach us from your Word! Amen.