Getting Job-ed
Now this is the commandment—the statutes and the rules—that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you, that you may do them in the land to which you are going over, to possess it, that you may fear the Lord your God, you and your son and your son’s son, by keeping all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be long. Hear therefore, O Israel, and be careful to do them, that it may go well with you, and that you may multiply greatly, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you, in a land flowing with milk and honey.
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:1-9 ESV
Happy New Year everyone! We’re back and writing for the first time after New Year, so I know that’s a little late. Also, I know that the opening passage may sound a little strange (what does the Shema have to do with New Year?) but hang tight because it does. But a big question at about this time Post-New Year is how are your resolutions going? Somewhere in the realm of 80% of New Year resolutions fail by February (1)… That’s pretty daunting. So let me propose one to fill if others have failed: read Scripture.
Simple but Extremely Important
By however and whatever means you can, read more Scripture this New Year. Am I saying reading the Bible in a year is the only way to do this? No. I haven’t done one of those plans in a year. I’m not saying they’re wrong or unuseful but I know my learning style and I could easily sacrifice learning and meditating on the passage for the sake of keeping a pace. What I mean, is whether you are an impressive quick reader or an intensive passage detective (this is what I want to be at the moment!), our goal should be to read the passages more intently and passionately in this New Year.
We’ve discussed before that relationships are largely based on knowing the other person. God gave us a book about Himself and His relationship with mankind. This is the most important book you could ever read; this book reveals who God is and what His purpose for mankind is. Questions about where this whole story of humanity is going? Pick up Scripture. Questions about your place in that story? Pick up Scripture. Questions about who God is, what His purposes are in history and in your life? Pick up Scripture. Want to know who the most important Being in all existence is? Pick up Scripture. If you know Scripture more deeply in this next year, you will have a better picture of who the true God is of this universe and His unfolding purposes in the world and in your life.
Face the Facts
So let’s face the facts: New Year’s Eve turned to New Years at 12:00 am, the world didn’t change much. The world got a little older, planet death is still the overarching theme of where we live. The world is so broken. We live in this world that is constantly trying to kill Christians, whether by culture and status within society or literally (martyrs and the global persecuted church). We are fighting against a realm we cannot see (Ephesians 6:12) and we need a weapon that is effective at fighting that enemy in a defensive manner (apologetics within the culture and also even personal attacks) and in an offensive manner (pushing back against the strongholds of darkness to reclaim new ground for the Gospel). Check out some of these verses about Scripture that is so amazing:
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. Ephesians 6:12-18 ESV
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 ESV
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. Isaiah 40:8 ESV
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Matthew 24:35 ESV
This is real, unshakeable truth that we need in this fickle, untrustworthy, and deceptive world we live in. The world in 2022 may not get better, but God’s Word is true, beautiful, and never changing. It’s hope-giving while also being a protector for us. Look at the opening passage: God wants us to love him more deeply this next year. He discusses following His statutes and laws (while also saying that the Shema is the most important command!). Resolve to know Him better through His Word in this next year.
Bibliography
- Amundsen, Mackenzie. “Research Shows up to 80-Percent of New Year’s Resolutions Fail by Mid-February.” https://www.wbay.com, February 3, 2020. https://www.wbay.com/content/news/Research-shows-up-to-80-percent-of-New-Years-resolutions-fail-by-mid-February-567530441.html.
