The Jericho Road

6:30am…I’ve been awake or in that half-awake state since 4:30. Writing this from bed.

I’ve replied to two Facebook messages, not on the wall, but private ones. The are just another form of email, but somehow we use them at times instead of email. Perhaps it’s the “network” part of Facebook that makes it feel easier, more immediate to communicate this way. In real time, there is no difference. The digital bits travel through the ether as fast one way as the other. 

Since waking up the verses of Revelation 12-14 have come to mind. One reason is the topic of the meetings I’ll be attending, the first one tonight. They are on evangelism and according to the schedule, one is specifically on preaching the Three Angels Messages of Revelation 14. I’ve wondered this morning how the verses will be treated. I’ve heard both bad and good exposition in the past. I’m hoping for the best.

(Another reason for my interest is the series I plan to preach on these verses, beginning next Sabbath, Saturday).

I’m conscious of the danger in transposing our meaning on the text because it suits our preconceived idea or the direction we are already taking. That approach lets us “speak” to Scripture rather than letting God speak to us. It does not bring fresh, new insights into the Word of God. 

My primary concern with any Biblical interpretation, in preaching, teaching, or writing is that we see the theological unity of Scripture as it centres around the atoning work and person of Jesus. That is my particular pre-supposition (a Biblically approved one) that Christ and him crucified are the central themes of the Bible, the gold we dig for, the “pearl of great price” we would sell all to buy. Our study should always lead us, perhaps even in a hard way, toward the cross, keeping us in a spirit of repentance, confession, acceptance, faith, love, obedience, and patient hope. 

Looking to Calvary is the God-appointed means of subduing our sinful natures day by day. The blood of Christ continues to flow in the channel of our faith if we will keep that channel clear.