August 31, The Word of God

Today’s reading: Psalm 119

“I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you” - Psalm 119:11.

The Bible is not to be studied as any other book, for it is a living book that will guide your life and inform your decisions. In Jesus’ day, there were men called the Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection, angels, demons, or an afterlife. Yet they revered the books of Moses and were the ruling class of Israel’s priesthood. They had probably memorized much of the Old Testament, and had firm theological beliefs and were convinced they were “right.” Therefore, when they came to test Jesus with questions about the resurrection and afterlife, they were confident they could confuse Him and prove the rightness of their interpretations Jesus started His response to them by saying, “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?” (Mark 12:24). Jesus told the Bible experts they did not know the Bible! Why do you study God’s word? To gain knowledge or to learn how to live? Do you argue Scripture with others, trying to prove the rightness of your position instead of using it to gain the rightness of heart that God requires? As today’s verse advises, do you store verses and concepts in your heart that you may live a righteous life?