Do you remember diagramming sentences? I liked it because, suddenly, language arts felt more like math and I like/liked math. I actually taught this art to fourth graders for a few years so it is fresh. I think the main skill is to find the action. What is the verb? Verbs are robust in action or being. I think this has helped me get to the bottom of some Bible study. Because I am impatient, I like the summary, steps, and action. Get to the point. Because of _____, I should do _____. That is how I study. What ‘thing’ can I do to follow Jesus more closely. How can I comprehend God’s Glory? This introduction is to explain my last few months study in Ephesians and Romans. The Apostle Paul wrote both books and I have been obsessing, especially Ephesians 4 on unity and Romans 10 on everything related to belief. The following is a mash-up of the chapters that have captured my particular attention. Do read the two chapters because I will not exactly be quoting but just summarizing and paraphrasing what is on my heart today.
Romans 10. “For Christ IS the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes”. “…that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Simple. Isaiah is very bold and says, “I was found by those who did not seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me.” and “…the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved”. This is an invitation to us all.
Ephesians 4. Why does Paul calling himself a prisoner of the Lord? This refers to his period of house arrest around AD 60-62 in Rome. The Lord has saved Paul and not incarcerated him. The action summary here is: walk in unity, walk in love, walk in light, walk in wisdom. Get walking and walk worthily, with all lowliness (humbly) and gentleness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love. Endeavor to keep the UNITY of the spirit in the bond of peace. Speak the truth in love and (for Pete sakes) grow up! Put on new things and put off the old – things that do not allow us to be close to Jesus. The new man/woman is renewed in the spirit of our minds. The chapter ends with a bunch of no’s – things that prevent unity and maturity. Some thoughts on walking are that it takes effort to get out of a chair and climb hills. It is not easy or natural to walk in unity, love, light, and wisdom. I think these are out of order (not wrong) but wisdom from above is a foundation for the rest. Light is Jesus (vertical) and unity is horizontal, between you and me. The love is what results when the recipe is executed well by having faith and trusting God. This will take all of the time God allows. I know good people who are models of faith and none do this well enough. That is why Jesus covers us with His grace. Keep walking.
I don’t know why, when I’m under a cloud, Bible reading is hard. I have to work things out sometimes. I am in relationship with the creator of the Universe and it is sometimes hard to get a grip on that. Today I do want to listen to God. Call on the name of Jesus and walk the talk. I am aware that not all of the people I am begging to believe in Jesus are seeking Him. That is an unfortunate fact but I am so grateful that it is easy to love God. We are washed in the blood of the lamb. Speaking of washing – me, today, sanitizing the library toys for our next playdate/storytime.
