Thoughts Worth Thinking

GOD’S PERSONAL LETTERS

With the entrance of the modern computer came the quick and versatile “email system,” whereby instantaneous messaging has nearly brought to extinction the “formal” manner of letter writing. While some middle-school English classes still teach the composition of the respected art of “letter writing,” most of the students will tell you, “Email is better … texting is best.” And while the USPS is losing millions from the use the “electronic communication” the fact is the reception of a PERSONAL LETTER grants a sentiment all its own!

When one seriously examines the Bible, one of the greatest proofs of its authenticity is the personal address of its letters. In fact, reading the Old Testament, one notes the multiplicity of “personal accounts” and the several “personal addresses” regarding directives, or greetings/salutations, etc. Reading the New Testament, one is struck by the obvious “personal address” of the epistles. Even within the context of the gospel accounts and Acts, one notes several “personal addresses” and of course the “personal accounts” of the writers. When teaching the Scriptures, we often impress upon the student the necessity to “personally involve yourself in the text.” When teaching the applications of God’s Truth, one sees readily how PERSONAL God’s Word becomes to that soul!

Consider the PERSONAL approach of Scripture: “Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden …” (Matt. 11:28 – 30). Do you not see our Lord is speaking to EACH SOUL who reads the statement? “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering toward usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Pet. 3:9) Who is excluded from that inspired reality of God? “… He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him.” (Heb. 5:9) Who is excluded from His promise of salvation, if they obey Him? Please note His promises ARE conditional! They always have been and always shall be CONDITIONAL: the condition being our OBEDIENCE. Still, who is the soul God is UNWILLING to save if that soul will obey? See how personal His letter is? It includes YOU!

Just as certainly as we appreciate PERSONAL letters containing good news, we sometimes receive letters that are NOT filled with delightful information. While a variety of “senders” might come to mind, the fact is such letters always tell us things we do NOT wish to hear, much less read. However, in many such letters is information we need for our betterment; things we must acknowledge and to which we must respond accordingly. Just so, God’s personal letters to us (the Bible) have some statements many recipients do not accept with graciousness. Instead, many take it as “harsh critique” and/or state “Well, I just disagree!” But Who could possibly know you better than your Creator? Examine Hebrews 4:12 – 13 noting that we are constantly in His presence; our every thought known to Him! Just as a parent has the obligation to point out error in the child for his/her correction, God the Father has done the same with us (Heb. 12:1 – 13). It is because He loves us that He so PERSONALLY addresses the ills in our lives that we might heed His instruction, and rid ourselves of that which otherwise will keep us out of His eternal home! (Matt. 25:31 – 47) Just because we may not like what He says will not change the TRUTH of His statement!

Most of all, consider the reality of God’s PERSONAL statement to YOU in John 3:16. YOU are included in the statement, “God so loved the WORLD …” The gift of God’s only begotten Son was for YOU. Notice as well Jesus made a PERSONAL PLEA on YOUR behalf: “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all my be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.” (John 17:20 – 21) Our Lord’s prayer included YOU in His request for unity via obedience to God the Father!

Having said this, let us add one more reality: YOU are meant each time we make the statement, “We care about YOUR soul!” Just as the Bible is personal in its approach to the literal recipients at the time of its record, and is personal in its inspired directives to us all for the salvation of our souls, we are PERSONAL with you in saying we care! It is just as if every class taught, every article written and every sermon preached is for YOU – not “at” you, but FOR YOUR BENEFIT. We recognize there may be some things with which you disagree. If we are in the error, show us! We care about ourselves as well! But if it is YOU that needs to repent and obey God, then it is only because we love your soul that such error in your life is noted and our pleading for your repentance and obedience is expressed. We just don’t know how to make things more PERSONAL than that!

When you consider how PERSONAL God is and how PERSONAL we wish to be for your soul’s benefit, the best description is LOVE!

Mike’s Musings ….

Thanks for asking!

No one should feel challenged by the asking of Bible questions. Peter’s inspired statement is, “but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.” (1 Pet. 3:15-16) Still, many souls shy away from such challenges; either due the “expected anger” or more frequently, the inability to produce a correct answer.

Let’s take care of the latter first: No one knows everything (regardless of their thinking they do!) There is no shame in saying, “I don’t know.” The shame is in an unwillingness to find out! Searching the scriptures daily is a precedence set by the early brethren (Acts 17:11) and would certainly serve us well today! The other reluctance is appreciated, but unneeded. Some will be angry at our answers to their questions because the answer contradicts their DESIRED answer. Folks got angry at Christ as well (John 6:66; 8:59; 10:31). We should expect the same from souls that wish only to hear “smooth things.” (cf. Isa. 30:10; 1 Jn. 3:13).

We all admit to some “intimidation” from time to time: circumstances are not always “comfortable” in every situation where righteousness is the subject. Such surely was the case for the righteous during the time of judges. We learn from that study “there was no king in Israel; everyone did that which was right in their own eyes.” (Judges 17:6; 21:25) Times haven’t changed much regarding the “attitude;” albeit there is a King – Jesus the Christ! Yet, when souls willingly misinterpret the meaning of “judge” and claim such to mean “You can’t tell me when I’m wrong,” they are in essence seeking someone to “tickle their ears.” If they look long enough, they’ll find such a “teacher” (2 Tim. 4:1-5), but to what eternal benefit? We that know the truth must remain steadfast within that truth and defend that truth! (1 Cor. 15:58; Phil. 1:17)

Muse on the response of the questioner when you begin, “Thanks for asking!” Such declares your joy in responding to their inquiry, and your readiness to declare an answer with PROOF (1 Thess. 5:21) from God’s Word. Opinions will never convince a truth-seeking soul. A righteous answer however, will stand the tests of every criticism and whether rejected or accepted, gives God the glory! After all, God is not the author of confusion (1 Cor. 14:33); man is! That’s what will prevent the honest and sincere Christian from being intimidated with spiritual inquiry: if the questioner wants to argue, they end up arguing with God, not you! So, muse on the reply, “Thanks for asking,” and get ready to joyously declare the truth to all!