Slicers and Dicers

But Jesus answered and said to them, "You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God. (Matthew 22:9)

In my early twenties, I began to be “religious” and even presented a lesson at an adult Bible class. But, my lesson was based on ignorance of Scripture and of the power of God. I was doing little more than parroting what someone else believed. The question, however, is not who to parrot but what do I, or you, personally, sincerely believe. It was not until I began to earnestly desire to know what God was speaking to ME, MYSELF and I that I began to get a few glimmers of understanding. If I presented that lesson today, I would communicate an entirely different perspective and message.

Jesus was being questioned by men who were religious leaders who could argue the finest points of God’s Law. But, Jesus totally silenced them by going on to publicly prove their lack of understanding (read Matthew 22). Our day of proving is also coming. Our own knowledge of God's power and His Word is tested or proven in the “day of adversity”. I recently saw a statistic stating that the average person will face a major crisis in life about every ten years. A proverb states that if we faint in the day of adversity then our strength is small. The strength we need in the day of adversity (which may be the day of death) flows from the depths of our inner being and must ultimately be anchored in genuine understanding of God’s power, love and word through Jesus Christ.

It is important that the ones we follow as leaders, examples or mentors be those who have genuine strength that flows out of understanding Scripture and the power of God. Their strength should have already been proven by their personal days of adversity. These are people who have demonstrated that they can love their enemies, be a light in the darkness and trust God even in the depths of the pit. Evil does not leave them bitter and angry. Loss does not leave them in despair. Fear is not their guide. They are not merely slicers and dicers of God’s Word but people who manifest God’s Word in their own flesh and blood.

Project:

• Consider whether you are being merely religious or sincerely seeking to know the Lover of your soul.
• Consider who you have as leaders in your life and whether their lives manifest knowledge of the Beloved.
  
• Ask God to prepare you for the "day of adversity".