Jesus Christ is your savior, my savior, and the savior of all mankind!
So why do we read about him and his commands?
Joshua 1:7-9 (WEB),
7) Only be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded you. Don’t turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 8) This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it; for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success. 9) Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.
The Bible is God's Word given to us so that we can learn about his love and care for us. In the verses above God spoke directly to Joshua after Moses died in order to encourage Joshua and guide him as the new leader of Israel. God urges Joshua to be strong and courageous and to meditate on the Bible. Reading the Bible and meditating on God's written message to mankind is vital for us to enjoy the successful Christian living that God desires.
Colossians 3:15-17 (WEB),
15) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful. 16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord. 17) Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him.
We need the message of Christ in our conversation so that we can teach and admonish one another. While our own words and ideas may range from useful to useless, God's words and his message are perfect and wonderfully useful. Paul encourages Jesus' followers to add the words and message of Christ into our conversation. Read the Bible, meditate on the meaning, and mention the message and words of Christ in your conversation with others.
Hebrews 4:12-13 (WEB),
12) For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13) There is no creature that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.
God's word is alive and active and powerful to change our lives. We are in need of heart surgery, but what scalpel can be used to perform spiritual operations on our hearts? God's word is compared to a double-edged sword because the Bible is able to cut away the cancer of unbelief in our lives. We must read the Bible to allow the Holy Spirit to change us from our natural love of vice to the supernatural virtue of Jesus Christ.
Read the message of Christ to enjoy the Christian prosperity that God desires for you. Share his message with others in your conversation. Allow the Holy Spirit to operate on your heart with God's Word. Read Jesus!
