Listening to Scripture
2 Peter 1:19-21
“[It is pointless] to go about the interpretation in such a way that the biblical message is passed through the sieve of man’s own knowledge—what will not go through is scorned and tossed away.”
—NO RUSTY SWORDS
Clearly we never come to the Bible with a blank slate, but with the issues and concerns of our time. These issues help form the questions that we wish to ask of Scripture. This is appropriate, providing that we then listen carefully to what
Scripture has to say, even to the point of allowing it to modify our concerns and anticipated answers. What should not be acceptable is that we prejudge Scripture by our own knowledge and values. This stills the voice of the Bible. It means that we only accept what fits in with us. Thus we use the Bible as a mirror which reflects back to us what we already know, rather than seeing it as a conversation partner that reflects a wisdom that is worth listening to.
Thought
The Bible is clearly a book that was written in a past age. But throughout its pages there pulsates a wisdom that we can hear anew as God speaking.
What is your prayer thought for today’s lesson?