God Speaks to You

MEMORY SELECTION: “Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Thy law.” —Psalm 119:18

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: Psalm 119:33,34; II Peter 1:16-18,20,21; II Timothy 3:14-17

THE humble and wise psalmist expresses a desire that the eyes of his understanding might be opened to appreciate and understand more deeply the lessons set forth in the blessed law of God. This is an expression of the proper heart condition that is necessary to come into harmony with God and his righteous principles. Indeed, there are blessings in store for all who thus seek to know and learn the ways of the Master Teacher.

The divine Law, as it is essentially known to men, was given by God to the children of Israel. It is represented in the Ten Commandments received by Moses at Mount Sinai. That Law, which was written on tablets of stone, was a provisional arrangement adapted to the specific circumstances of the separated Hebrew people. They enjoyed a relationship with God unknown to other nations at that time, a relationship known as “the house of servants.” Because of inherited weaknesses, the Israelites were not capable of keeping God’s perfect law. Their position in the arrangement served to illustrate man’s need for a redeemer. And, in due time, God did provide the world with a Redeemer.

Later, during the first advent of our Lord, the divine Law took on a deeper meaning and significance. Jesus and his disciples—called the “house of sons”—brought new life and understanding to the laws of God as expressed by the spirit of love. Throughout the Gospel Age the followers of Christ have endeavored to give their hearts to God in full consecration and dedication of their lives in this capacity of love.

The Lord’s people must come to the Scriptures with humility and a desire to be taught of God. In no other way may they expect to receive the promised blessing. This is drawn to our attention by the psalmist, who wrote: “Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.” (Ps. 119:33,34) What a blessed admonition for all to follow!

Again we note wise counsel from the admonitions of the Apostle Paul in his letter to Timothy: “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”—II Tim. 3:14-17

The apostle points out that all scripture has value in bringing the heart of the individual to the Lord. It represents the inspired testimony of God. Teaching implies the presentation of divinely revealed truth, especially as it pertains to our relationship to God. Reproof suggests the showing to others of the errors of their ways, in a loving manner, and pointing to them the proper course to follow. The Scriptures expose false teachings and doctrines. Correction indicates a desire to rededicate oneself to the privileges of sonship through Christ Jesus. The training in righteousness is a lifetime work in which the child of God attempts to watch his conduct according to the standard established by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

God speaks to us through his Word of truth, not only that we may know about him, but that we may be brought into a more personal relationship with him. Through the privilege of prayer we, as children of God, may approach our Heavenly Father in much the same manner that an earthly child approaches his earthly parent; for no good thing will our Father withhold from those who ask him for guidance and instruction in righteousness. Let us, then, come to God with a desire to know and to please him.

In his letter to the Philippian brethren, Paul said: “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Phil. 2:12,13) May he work in all our hearts!

| Home Page | Table of Contents |