From inspiration to incarnation
Scripture reading: Matthew 23:1 24. Text: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16 17.
Last Sunday was the first Sunday of Advent and we saw how the Old Testament pointed to the arrival of the Messiah. Whom the Old Testament predicted, the New Testament presented. The Bible is not only a testimony about our Savior but also calls us to live according to his teaching. On the second Sunday in Advent, we pay special attention to the written word of God, the Holy Scriptures.
Many of us like to read a “personalized Bible.” That is, we prefer to study and quote those verses we like and overlook those passages with which we dislike.
Our Scripture reading is a good example of an unfavorable chapter. It contains a strong reproof of the scribes and Pharisees. Who likes to hear or read criticism?
It shall be obvious that “teaching, rebuking, correcting” cannot be the same today as what Apostle Paul had in mind when he mentioned them to Timothy. On one hand we know more about the world and ourselves than the first Christians did, and on the other hand, life is quite different now than it was 2,000 years ago.
What kind of biblical teaching and sermons do people like to hear? I believe they like to hear those which unfold mysteries, explain puzzles and solve problems, read Ephesians 6:19; encourage, reassure and inspire, read John 16:33; and acknowledge, appreciate and praise, read Matthew 25:21.
The Bible and its interpretation should enable us to see the connection between:
– The local and global, part and total, and individual and community.
– The visible and invisible and the physical and spiritual.
– Present and future, today and hereafter.
– The direct and the indirect and the cause and effect.
– Faith and love and honesty and peace.
– Birth and death and Jesus’ resurrection and ours.
Do you agree with Apostle Paul that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness …”? If you answer in the affirmative, then what kind of sermon shall your pastor preach so that you will be “equipped for every good work?” The time is ready as John the Baptist proclaimed: “… ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.’ This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: ‘A voice of one calling in the desert, “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.”‘” Matthew 3:2-3.
The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.