November 26: THE GREATEST LITERARY MASTERPIECE (part 2)

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

God’s word is to be read, heard, studied, and taught under the direction of its author: His Holy Spirit. Whether you are a teacher, a student, a hearer, or a reader, always pray in earnest before your time in the Word. The counsel of Paul to Timothy above alerts us to the reality that it is possible to mishandle, or wrongly divide, the written word. Another healthy way to guard against any misunderstanding of God’s counsel is through cross-referencing. Allow the Scriptures to interpret themselves. We are instructed, by Paul’s example, to obtain the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27) on any given subject.

“By the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established.” Deuteronomy 19:15

“But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’” Matthew 18:16

This will be the third time I am coming to you. “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.” 2 Corinthians 13:1

The “two or three witnesses” principle is foundational for gaining spiritual understanding. Thus, by the mouths of Moses, Jesus, and Paul, the Holy Spirit is making an important point: Scripture is its own interpreter. This is a safeguard against misinterpretations. Jesus loves for His people to spend quality time as His family, gathered in His name to study His word! His many names in the Bible are synonymous with His character. And He stands ready to guide our character development into His likeness if only we will allow Him to do it! He is Immanuel, God with us (Matthew 1:23).

For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20

Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, And the LORD listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who meditate on His name. Malachi 3:16

Beloved, think on His many names and you will see that whatever need you have, He is able to fill. The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) is the Giver of the law of liberty (Exodus 20, James 1:25), our Advocate (1 John 2:1) and our Judge (Ecclesiastes 3:17) whose mercy endures forever (Psalm 106:1 and many others). He is the good shepherd (John 10:11), the sin-bearer (Isaiah 53:11), our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14), my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14), the Creator (Colossians 1:16), the Word (John 1:1), and our Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7). He is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2) and the only Source of life. Let’s go through this day thanking Him for Who He is. How many names can you add to this list?