“The Spirit told Philip, “Climb into the chariot.” Running up alongside, Philip heard the eunuch reading Isaiah and asked, “Do you understand what you’re reading?” He answered, “How can I without some help?” and invited Philip into the chariot with him. The passage he was reading was this: ‘As a sheep led to slaughter, and quiet as a lamb being sheared, He was silent, saying nothing. He was mocked and put down, never got a fair trial. But who now can count his kin since he’s been taken from the earth?’ The eunuch said, ‘Tell me, who is the prophet talking about: himself or some other?’ Philip grabbed his chance. Using this passage as his text, he preached Jesus to him.”(Acts 8:29-35 The Message Bible)
Wednesday, after doing my grocery shopping, I stopped by a nearby thrift shop to look for a décor item to set on a wooden table that had just been begging me, bugging me to place something on its surface. My first stop was the knick-knack section where I thought I would find the perfect planter; one that had become someone’s trash but could serve as treasure for me. Having no luck, I went to the book section where I thought I could find a set of books to please the begging table. Nowadays, the books shelved under the “Reference” label have some old sets of books. I came across two volumes of a series of books entitled Perceptions. After examining the content, flipping through the pages, I felt as if these books should have been shelved under the “Religion” label, directly across from where they were situated, since the chapter were all based on various scriptures in the Bible. I almost brought them for the begging table, but I couldn’t find a copyright page that would tell me who authored and published the books, so that was the first reason I did not by them. The second reason was that I believe that the Bible is a book of truth, God’s word. And while certain passages may speak to us in a specific way, based on where we are spiritually or the how relevant it is based on what we are personally going through, God’s word is not open to perceptions when it comes to meaning. It would have been better if the books would have been entitled “Preceptions” (even if it is a new word) in view of the verse below.
I’m keeping it short this Friday morning. Needless to say, my begging table is still bugging me. Yet, as it relates to you, I’ll do the begging. I beseech thee that you diligently study the word of God. Stay on guard against your mind’s perceptions, for they can lead to misconceptions. Stay with the precise “perceptions” that God wants us to take for His inspired word. Also, so you will make the connection with what you have read initially in the verses above, I encourage you, as the Spirit-leads you, to help somebody else get the right precepts from what they read in the word of God. My friend, have a great day! Be blessed!
“Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works.” (Psalm 119:27 ESV)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King
Your admonition to diligently study the word of God is something I need to hear everyday. I don’t want to be led to misconceptions. Rather, i want to as you stated, “Stay with the precise ‘perceptions’ that God wants me to take for His inspired word.” Thank you.
I have observed that you study well. Let’s God’s word, order your steps. Even in your dedicated and discipline praying morning andnight, pause to hear what God says in the dialogue. Thank you, #1 responder, to meditations!