August 6, 2020 -- John 5:45-46 -- Proficiency in The Word

Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope. For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me.

John 5:45-46 English Standard Version

One thing is becoming clear to me as I learn French-there is a great distinction between hearing and understanding versus forming sentences and speaking in such a way as to make yourself understood. One, the former, is more passive. The other is active and requires a good vocabulary, an ability to seamlessly blend grammar rules and correct verb forms and noun and pronoun agreements as well as still pronouncing the words correctly and not slipping into English pronunciation of French words. To gain proficiency in French requires work. One must constantly read. One must constantly rehearse. One must constantly practice.

It seems the Jewish people of Jesus’s day knew the Old Testament passively. They knew the words. But they did not constantly practice them. They did not rehearse them with the expectation of seeing the One Who would be the fulfilment of them. When Jesus appeared, they were unprepared. Though they held Moses in high regard—the completely missed the point of Moses’ message—to recognize the final Prophet—Jesus Christ. The whole Old Testament refers to Him.

In your study of the Bible, are you becoming proficient in recognizing Jesus Christ? Are you learning Who He is and articulating His greatness, explaining why you believe so that others understand? We are called to believe in Jesus Christ and we are to declare Him. Moses wrote of Jesus. The disciples, followers of Jesus told of Him. We are Christians called to hear and obey Him. We hold out Good News to a world that is Covid-19 panicked, lost in its unbelief and unable to save itself.

Are you constantly reading the Bible in order to know Jesus better? Are you constantly rehearsing His promises and living with the expectation that Jesus will soon appear with all His holy ones? Are you explaining to the people around you, especially in these confusing Covid-19 times, why you are following Jesus and have every confidence for the future which is bound up in Him? Are you constantly practicing what Jesus commanded so that what you believe is being worked into every part of your life and evil has no foothold?

Blessed Jesus, the Living Word, You are Great and Beautiful to contemplate. By the presence of Your Spirit in us, help us to know You better. Spirit of Truth, let the written word burn into our hearts a vibrant and glorious understanding of Jesus, the Living Word. Prompt us to seize every opportunity to speak of Him, defend Him before this world—a world of people who have so many false ideas of Him. Give us a holy and joy-filled fluency in speaking of You Jesus! Father in heaven, may Your purposes for us be accomplished as we bless and honour Your Name by serving Jesus, Whom You sent as Your Interpreter and Radiance of Your Glory. Amen.