Problems culminating from the improper reading and comprehension of information is nothing new. Most of us learned this early on in our own education. However, this also applies to the study of Scripture.
The careful examination and analysis of scriptural facts and details is crucial to our profit from doing so. There are too many underlying and secondary elements and factors that can otherwise be missed.
They were so focused on comprehending the "text" of the Old Testament that they missed the fundamental "message," which was: the coming of Christ. This bigger picture, hidden in the details, was overlooked.
Additionally, they missed the connection between the coming Messiah in the Old Testament and Jesus. Even with the Scriptures in their hands the Jewish scholars couldn't see that Jesus was the Promised One (2 Corinthians 3:15).
We, too, can sometimes put much time and energy on the reading of the text, and fail to probe deeper under the surface of Scripture. Many times the answer we seek is right there in front of us, but like the Jewish priests we can't see the forest for the trees.
Understand that there is nothing wrong with reading the Bible, all responsible Christians should do so consistently and diligently. However, if we only "read" the words, we won't "understand" the Word.
As the prominent, 19th century evangelist Dwight L. Moody, said: "Merely reading the Bible is no use at all without we study it thoroughly, and hunt it through, as it were, for some great truth."
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16; Jeremiah 15:16; Matthew 4:4; Proverbs 2:1-5; Psalm 119:105
Prayer: Dear Lord, I ask for your wisdom as I draw near to Your word. Help me to truly understand it, and not just read it, amen.
Joyfully in Christ,
Abby
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