October 13, 2023 -- Matthew 22:29 -- Know the Scriptures and know the power of God

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.”
Matthew 22:29 ESV

The context of these words is this: scholars of Jesus’ day were testing Him with all kinds of subtleties concerning the Law. The amazing fact is that Jesus, the fulfilment of the Law, was standing right there in front of them. The sad thing is Jesus, Who is the power of God in flesh had been revealed to them and they chose to debate Him rather than worship Him. Here's how this hits home for me today.

Why do Christians neglect church? Because they do not believe the Scriptures, instead, like the scholars of Jesus' day, they trust in their own abilities and insights to discern what is going on in the world.

Why do Christians neglect Bible reading? Because they do not believe in the power of God. There are groups and people who long to be Spirit-filled so they can cast out demons and speak prophetically—but they are not hungry and yearning to know Jesus the power of His salvation.. The work of the Spirit is not to make men powerful, it is to make men humble, contrite, and people who tremble at the Word of God. That is true power.

How is the power of God subduing all the sinful lusts and thoughts of your heart? How is the power of God drawing you to love Jesus more and to study the Bible? “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.” ― G.K. Chesterton, What's Wrong with the World.

Our Father in heaven hallowed and blessed be Your Name, now and forevermore. We confess how easily we neglect the study of the Bible and pass over opportunities to go to Church. We think we have all the answers, but often are left in piles of messes that we have no idea how to clear away. Thank You, Spirit of the Living God for Your powerful work in the lives of believers, tearing out the walls of sin and shame that we have built up, and opening us up to the beauty of the Word, where we meet Jesus. Forgive us, Father in heaven, for the stubborn resistance we put up against going to worship, choosing instead dung and sticks for our amusement. By the presence of Your Spirit renew in us a deep desire for worship and a longing to gather with our family in Christ so that we will know Your Word and the life-giving power of God. Amen.

https://youtu.be/C-T7VyCMbQQ?si=9D4MUoQdDHn7Qx62 “Take My Life and Let It Be”

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