Does it really say that??

A case for studying the bible inductively or the danger of isolation in interpretation.

Hebrews…what comes to your mind? Is it Hebrews 11 – the “hall of faith” chapter? Or maybe you think of it as the “by faith” chapter, as it lists many Old Testament examples of people who lived by faith.

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

What you may not think of is who wrote this letter…why he wrote it or even to whom he originally wrote. When we only pick out a favorite verse from a book of the bible, or even a chapter, and ignore the reason for the verse, we run the danger of misunderstanding it and misusing it.

On the other hand…when we read the entire book or even an entire chapter of the book and look at the verse in the context is was written, we are more likely to understand the intended meaning of the verse from both the author’s perspective and more importantly from God’s perspective. Remember…

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.    Hebrews 4:12

What’s on Your Bucket List?

Bucket list:  A list of things to do before you die. Comes from the term “kicked the bucket”.             Urban Dictionary

My bucket list might include things like…

  1. Vacationing to exotic places
  2. Spending extended time with grandchildren
  3. Doing nothing…having no responsibilities
  4. Changing the world…helping to bring world peace

It is kinda fun (in a strange way) to dream about what I would like to accomplish before my time on earth is done. Do I want to make a difference in the world or do I just want to enjoy my life? Or maybe I want to do both??

I have been studying the gospel of Luke. I was struck by the story of Simeon. We know little about him, but except his bucket list…or at least the bucket list that God had gave him. We need to look at Luke 2 to explain this… 

And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,

“Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace, according to Your word;

For my eyes have seen Your salvation,

Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES,

And the glory of Your people Israel.”

Luke 2:25-32

It would seem that Simeon’s Bucket List had only one item on it.

  1. See the Lord’s Christ

Simeon eagerly waiting for the Lord’s Christ to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit had let Simeon know that he would see the promised Messiah that would bring salvation. Yet he waited. When he saw the baby Jesus, Simeon was ready to die. He knew his bucket list was complete.

What is on your bucket list?

What would it take for you to say to God…”release me to depart in peace“?