Mysty PfefferSometimes I just need a picture…
Do you ever see scripture paint a picture of a concept you can’t fully understand?
Or perhaps, you’re like me, and not ready to accept the message pointing to an area of continual struggle.
If you do, we can explore together how the bible prepares a word canvas we can all accept and navigate. Although it takes time and thought, we’ll find the investment is well worth the effort. As a matter of fact, a picture of others bowing before God is helpful in opening my eyes to areas of pride in my own life.
In our Tuesday study group we are delving into this a little deeper. The Proverbs 31 team has provided “The Answers to Your Deepest Longings” A bible study giving us an overview of the principles leading to salvation through Jesus Christ.
How Our Eyes Are Opened
In week seven of our study we see a man on murderous path. No one following The Way is safe from his wrath. The sad part is, he thinks he’s serving God to the best of his ability. A man, educated and driven to violence for a cause (stopping Christianity) that is futile. This man we learn about is Saul of Tarsus. My cultural study bible describes Tarsus as a highly developed, philosophical place valuing education and higher thinking.
Paul describes himself as ” a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city (Jerusalem), educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day” Acts 22:3 (Full Passage)
Paul is a student of the scriptures, just like us! Yet, at that time he lacks a full understanding of God’s plan. In Acts chapter 9, Paul is on his way to Damascus to persecute believers. We read of the bright light that temporarily blinds him and brings him to his knees. The voice from heaven is Jesus, asking:
“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” (Acts 9:4,5)
Walk Humbly
Furthermore, Saul, like us many times, has no recourse but to fall humbly before Jesus. It’s not surprising the proud require force to find that place of humility. However, it only takes one deep humbling to convince him, and sadly some of us too, to willingly come to a place of submission.
Possibly, like many of the Pharisees, Paul lost sight of God’s mercy woven through the law. His situation reminds me of Isaiah falling before the holiness of God in Isaiah chapter 1 as the prophet sees his vision. He cries out “Woe to me, I am ruined, for I am a man of unclean lips and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” (Isaiah 6:1-7)
He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.
When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive.
Moreover, in the presence of holiness, we can only bow and repent. For it is then, that we see ourselves as we truly are: Full of sin and selfishness with the light of scripture shinning on our faulty ways. But we don’t have to stay there.
We have hope! Awareness of our status is good news because we cannot correct what we do not see!
When the Holy Spirit leads us to this place of humility, we are open to change.
Just as the seraphim fly to Isaiah and purge him of unclean lips, Jesus covers us in His righteousness when we come to faith. The picture of scripture could not be more clear. When we read God’s inspired Word and come to the place of repentance, our hearts melt before him in humble adoration. Eagerly, we confess all to Him. He sees and forgives as our hearts are renewed! (Romans 10:8-10).
It’s a beautiful picture of God’s restorative power over sin in our hearts. I pray we understand this concept with gladness and joy as we continue our studies!
The Results of This New Canvas
We arise, like Paul to a place of wonder and reflection. A new insight and purpose take hold of our being. In Christ’s marvelous light we overcome spiritual death and live to please Him. Furthermore, we yearn for more of Jesus in His Word.
Love grows and spills over to those around us. We have a new desire to be kinder, more understanding and softer in our approach to others. The strokes of God’s pen are ingrained on our hearts forever and our area of struggle just got smaller in light of His mercy.
That picture of scripture, my friends, is a masterpiece.
