I have a new study Bible. It is called the NKJV Study Bible. Formerly known as the Nelson Study Bible. And it is full of gems. Many annotations, articles, maps, charts and cultural notes. I am liking it moreso than my McArthur Study Bible which has fallen to pieces in the 2 years I have been using it. A tattered worn out Bible can be a testament in its own right. That a falling apart book might indicate a life being put back in order. It does not feel that way to me so I will just have to take others word for it.
Religion, spirituality, politics, economics, social issues and the like are very complicated complex subjects that frankly confuse me and overwhelm me. I don't have the answers and my brain goes a little into the overloaded mode when I try to "figure" things out. Basically, it is like how I feel after spending several minutes attempting the New York Times crossword puzzle. I have to put it down and just walk away.
When I study Scripture, it too can appear to be complicated and complex, threatening to put my mind into overload mode. So I work consciously to keep it simple. I have been meditating on this passage for the past hour or so:
The Gospel of John 6:28,29
28 "Then they said to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?"
29 "Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."
What? That's it? Just "believe in Him whom He sent?" No no no it can't be that simple. Can it?
It is. The simplicity is so beautiful and poignant. The people Jesus was talking to were simple people who had just witnessed His power to feed them the day prior but they wanted to know what they had to do and they wanted more proof.
Do I need more proof? Or do I just want God to do it for me. Didn't God do it all for me already?
So just believe.
Religion, spirituality, politics, economics, social issues and the like are very complicated complex subjects that frankly confuse me and overwhelm me. I don't have the answers and my brain goes a little into the overloaded mode when I try to "figure" things out. Basically, it is like how I feel after spending several minutes attempting the New York Times crossword puzzle. I have to put it down and just walk away.
When I study Scripture, it too can appear to be complicated and complex, threatening to put my mind into overload mode. So I work consciously to keep it simple. I have been meditating on this passage for the past hour or so:
The Gospel of John 6:28,29
28 "Then they said to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?"
29 "Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."
What? That's it? Just "believe in Him whom He sent?" No no no it can't be that simple. Can it?
It is. The simplicity is so beautiful and poignant. The people Jesus was talking to were simple people who had just witnessed His power to feed them the day prior but they wanted to know what they had to do and they wanted more proof.
Do I need more proof? Or do I just want God to do it for me. Didn't God do it all for me already?
So just believe.
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