Read Right

One of the things we must never lose sight of when we read the Bible is the meaning of biblical inspiration. What I mean is keeping in mind that, yes, men wrote the Scriptures, but God authored them.  He made sure His intent was written down while at the same time utilizing the personality and writing style of each man used to record His Word !    Now when you have this in the back of your head while reading God’s Word, it is a wonder knowing that God thinks this as well as the writer. For example, read this verse in light of the teaching of biblical inspiration:  “Beloved, I wish above all things, that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”  (3 John 2).   John desired for his readers Gaius (and us) these things (prosperity & good health) but so did God !  Yet when it comes to a trial Satan would like nothing better than for us to question that God has our best interests at heart.  Believe what God has said !

John then continues: “For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”  (vss.3-4).    Like the previous verse, it’s clear John knew of his friend’s walk with the Lord (as does God ours) and was proud of him and let him know he was rejoicing very much about it.  He then went on to say nothing could make him happier !!  Isn’t it thrilling to know that of the times we have pained God by poor choices we can also cause Him to rejoice when we make ones that are consistent with what His Word teaches?!!    When you read the Bible thus, you start to see, yes what the writers thought but also what God thinks !! And that can be truly encouraging and life changing !