“But Jesus answered and said, ‘you are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures, or the power of God.’”
Matthew 22:29
Look at the connection between understanding the scriptures and understanding the power of God. The Sadducees were mistaken on both points, but these are probably not two points, but one. In order to understand the scriptures we must have in view the awesome power of God. Having such a view of God’s magnificence will open our eyes and our understanding of the scriptures, which will themselves then reinforce and strengthen our view of God as the almighty Lord of all.
Consider these scriptures, which connect to our view of God’s greatness with our perception of His Word, and the affect of God’s word in revealing His power to us…
“Establish Thy Word to Thy servant, as that which produces reverence for Thee.” Psalms 119:38
“Incline your ear year and hear the words of the wise, and apply your mind to knowledge; for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, that they may be ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the Lord…” Proverbs 22:17-19
“But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who trembles at my Word.” Isaiah 66:2
“But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have had their senses trained to discern good and evil.” Hebrews 5:14
“…like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the Word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.” 1 Peter 2:2-3
Our view of God and our view of the Word are linked. One establishes the other. If we have a high view of God we will have a right understanding of the scriptures, and the scriptures will work properly for us to establish, strengthen, and reinforce our joy in the power of God. But if like the Sadducees, who belittled the scriptures with their self-exhausting theoretical conundrums, we maintain a low view of God, we will be mistaken and confused by the scriptures. The key ingredient then, which makes the scriptures work for us, so that we will have a proper understanding and a true view of God, is faith. Faith lays hold of the greatness of God and thereby reads, understands, and is strengthened by the Word of God. Faith reads the Word of God and sees, in and through it, the mighty power and awesome hand of the sovereign Lord.
Beware, O my soul, of having a low of view of God. If the unbelieving Pharisees and Sadducees marveled and were astonished by Jesus’ Words how much more should you tremble in amazement? Have faith in God. Ascribe strength and power to Him in your heart. Love Him with all your heart, soul and mind. Come to the word always with a humble God-centered awe and let it fortify and establish your faith in the Lord.
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