2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
Have you noticed how every piece of equipment comes with a quick start guide and then a more detailed set of instructions - including, at the back, some "troubleshooting" advice for when things don't work?
Tonight, my nearest and dearest was struggling with his TV - the decoder was reporting that there was an issue with the channels and to "try again later". We discussed ways to try to resolve the matter, including unplugging and starting over - all to no avail. Eventually he waited 20 minutes on the support line, but the guy on tech support wasn't able to help either.
So we downloaded a manual for the decoder and tried to solve the problem ourselves.
The manual carefully showed how to connect the decoder to the tv via an HDMI cable and to connect the power cable to the decoder. There were written instructions and illustrations to make it easier to follow.
Then we went through the details about the different buttons on the remote control - finding one button that my nearest and dearest had never yet used!
I'd love to tell you that full service was resumed at the end of the session, but, no, another long winded phone call to support would be required in the morning.
It got me thinking about how this relates to our human lives. When everything is going smoothly, we barely even look at the "quick start" guide - we just drift along "winging it" in our own sweet way. It's only when we hit the buffers of trouble, sickness and loss that we start looking for help.
We'll search every which way and ask all and sundry for advice about how to fix things - but the best place to start is the "Owner's manual" - I mean, of course, the Word of God. In it we find the answers to each and every situation we can ever face.
The more we apply the wisdom laid down in the Bible, the more light will shine on our path, the more peace we'll have in our hearts and above all our faith, hope and love will be ignited.
In it, we can discover how to connect to Jesus, via the "HDMI cable" of the Holy Spirit and the Power that He provides.
It is full of troubleshooting help and even warns of future events so that we can be prepared for what's up ahead.
It reveals the truth about our identity and gives a road map to eternal life through Jesus.
It unveils the heart of God and His plan for creation.
It's the one owner's manual you should never ignore - it's the key to life. Through it you will discover Jesus - the Word made flesh.
Hebrews 10:7
Then I said, ‘Look, I have come to do your will, O God—
as is written about me in the Scriptures.’”
John 1:1-5,14
In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God.
God created everything through him,
and nothing was created except through him.
The Word gave life to everything that was created,
and his life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never extinguish it.
So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.
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