April 27: EXPLORING AN ANCIENT MYSTERY (part 1)

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16

Why does God’s Holy Spirit sometimes provide us with tragic stories in His Word? The above verse names a variety of benefits available through Bible study. Though the benefits listed above may seem generic, the first one is specific to truths about God and His character. In the middle two, we can – if we are willing – learn of character defects within ourselves that can tragically lead us away from Him. Never does He point these things out to condemn. On the contrary! He wants to lead us safely back to Himself. A genuine surrender to His will for our lives is the way to internalize the saving grace that He offers. His will is discoverable in the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15).

The Bible is by far the most sought-after book in the history of mankind. If studied and heeded under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, it serves as the ultimate “tool” for reproof and correction. Through personal “quiet time” with the Lord, including prayer and Bible study, we are indeed lovingly confronted with our needs, and supplied with His abundant provision for those needs. In Jesus, Himself known as The Word of God (John 1:1; Revelation 19:13), we find a model for personal, restorative confrontation of sin among fellow believers as well (Matthew 18:15-17).

Though all of us are sinners, the Lord makes flawless distinctions, based upon an individual’s level of understanding, actions, and attitudes (Psalm 19:13; Proverbs 19:29; Luke 12:47-48; James 4:17). A baffling issue for every thinking person is the existence of evil. One naturally wonders where it came from, and who is responsible for it. The easiest “answer” comes by blaming God. But that is exactly what our spiritual archenemy desires!

For anyone who truly seeks after God – and catches even a glimpse of His great heart of love – the existence of evil presents a mystery. But the real-life account of Absalom, one of King David’s sons, provides a story that reveals how evil can spring up and gain a foothold.

Now in all Israel, there was no one who was praised as much as Absalom for his good looks. From the sole of his foot to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him. 2 Samuel 14:25

This description purposely parallels the Bible’s description of Lucifer, the most beautiful and powerful of God’s heavenly creatures, whose name means Shining One or Light Bearer. Over the next few days, we will examine descriptions and parallels provided by God’s Spirit through the prophets . . .

You were the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty . . . The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes Was prepared for you on the day you were created. . . You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, Till iniquity was found in you. Ezekiel 28:12b,13b,15

to be continued…