“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me.” John 5:39
The Pharisees were a group of people who knew God’s word inside and out. Yet, they missed the entire purpose of His revelation. They had the Old Testament memorized, but they failed to recognize God when He was standing right in front of them. The ultimate purpose of the Scriptures is to point us to Jesus. If we miss Jesus and life with Him, we miss everything. Do you think God included their example in His word for a reason? Absolutely.
In our day, some have been immersed in "discipleship programs" filled with Bible study, memorizing verses, and evangelism training, only to realize that somewhere along the way, they lost sight of personal connection with the living God. Somehow, the reality that God is alive, present, knowable, and active among His people faded into the background. The vibrant life of fellowship with God was overshadowed by lesser things.
One author said it well: “When the Bible is primarily seen as a depository of divine principles for life, it fundamentally changes the way we engage God and His Word. Rather than being a vehicle for knowing God and fostering our communion with Him, we search the Scriptures for applicable principles that we can use to control our world and life. This is not Christianity; this is Christian deism. In other words, we end up replacing a relationship with God with a relationship with the Bible.”
Principles, programs, and Bible study all have their place. But if we miss Jesus and life with Him, we've missed the point entirely.
Father, help me to refocus my life on living with You. The Scriptures point me to a life of love with You and with others. May I never lose sight of You. Teach me to walk daily in the joy of Your presence with me.
