Who Rules the Bible?
Scholars are the tradesmen of the intellect. They are the go-to-lords in their own areas of expertise.
The academics are called upon when a man's mind is unsure or misunderstands words, thoughts and themes that lie on the pages before his eyes.
There are many Biblical tradesmen. BUT - who is the true Lord of The Word?
Are the professors or the pew dwellers, the clergy or the congregations, the Spirit of Jesus or the saints?
The good Lord pleads:
My Christian church listens to the other lords of The Word, but not Me, the Lord of The Word. My Word points to Me but who will listen? Who will listen and stop still, withdraw and put the books away to just learn from Me?
This problem is identical for the parishoner, the pastor and the priests alike. It continues while ever we seek the world's lords of The Word (the scholars) for explanation, and so neglect the one and only Lord of the Word.
Jesus chided the Jews:
You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about Me, yet you refuse to come to Me to have life. (John 5:39-40)
We ask men (even dead men) to explain what God has penned - to open the mind of the Lord.
We have learned to worship mankind's lords of The Word at great expense to the only Lord of The Word.
Teaching is a spiritual gift from the Lord of the Word.
BUT the teacher of The Word is never to become lord over the Word.
The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. (Matthew 10:24)
The intellect is not the way for knowing the Lord deeply. ~ Frank Viola & George Barna.
The Holy Spirit of Truth is the Bible's bookmark; He takes me to and through God's food daily. He is the person and place I turn to, and the best commentary for listening to Jesus through His Word.#
And it is the Spirit that testifies because the Spirit is the truth. (1 John 5:6b)
Today's Soul Snippet:
"Theological competence and high voltage intellect do not qualify a person to serve in the Lord's house." ~ Frank Viola & George Barna.
# Click here to read more about knowing the Lord deeply - The 5 Pillars of Devotion
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