Verse of the Day 9/25

Verse of the Day 9/25

Isaiah 30:21   And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.     English Standard Version (ESV)

I like to walk and I like to hike.  Whether it be in the local woods or at a national park like Yosemite, I enjoy being out in God's creation.  But when you are walking in unfamiliar territory it is nice to be with someone who knows the territory, where you are and more importantly, where you're going.  In the walk or hike of the Christian life, God's voice doesn't just come to us in every situation.  He speaks to us through His word, quite often the recalled word, remembering something He's told us and taught us when reading and studying His Word.  At just the right time, it comes up and speaks to you.

I read this verse yesterday and thought of these things.  I also read another verse in Spurgeon's devotional from John 5:39 where we read " You search the Scriptures".  He writes, "The Greek word here rendered "search" signifies a strict, close, diligent, thorough search--such as men make when they are seeking gold. We must not rest content with having given a superficial reading to a chapter or two, but with the candle of the Spirit, we must deliberately seek out the spiritual essence of the Word. Holy Scripture requires searching--much of it can only be learned by careful study. There is milk for babes, but also meat for strong men....No man who merely skims the book of God, can profit from it. We must dig and mine, until we obtain the hidden treasure. The door of the Word can only opened with the key of diligence! The Scriptures warrant searching. They are the writings of God--we dare to treat them with levity. He who despises them--despises the God who wrote them. God forbid that any of us should leave our Bibles to become swift witnesses against us in the great day of account. The Word of God will repay searching. Scripture grows upon the student. It is full of wonders!"

If you long to hear a voice from behind you telling you which path to take in the fork in the road ahead, it will likely come from that "diligent, thorough search" and study being brought to your recollection.  As Spurgeon says "the scriptures warrant searching, they are the writings of God".  May they be that word from behind you saying "this is the way, walk in it."

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

Isaiah 30:20-22 New Century Version (NCV)

²⁰ The Lord has given you sorrow and hurt like the bread and water you ate every day. He is your teacher; he will not continue to hide from you, but you will see your teacher with your own eyes. ²¹ If you go the wrong way—to the right or to the left—you will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the right way. You should go this way." ²² You have statues covered with silver and gold, but you will ruin them for further use. You will throw them away like filthy rags and say, "Go away!"