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Daily Devotions

It Is Written

It Is Written 
Day 
Introduction

INTRODUCTION

Text: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John

INTRODUCTION

The Gospel accounts written by Matthew and Luke noted the temptations of the Lord Jesus Christ by Satan. What stands out was the way Jesus responded to each and every temptation presented.

“It is written…” was the standard way in which Jesus responded to Satan (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). This series of Devotions is dedicated to the study of the written Scriptures!

THUS SAYS THE LORD

In the Old Testament period, it was common for the prophets of God to begin their message with these words, “Thus says the Lord” (Isaiah 7:7; Jeremiah 9:17; Ezekiel 30:10 etc). There were reasons why they spoke as they did.

1. God spoke to His servants, the prophets directly.

2. Either through a dream or a vision, or a specific and direct word, the prophet would have a word from God.

3. Each prophet believed that his authority came from the Lord God Himself and thus he spoke with power.

IT IS WRITTEN- THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

There came a time when God brought about a famine of the word of God (Amos 8:11-12). The word of the Lord would become very scarce! Because the words of the prophets were not heeded, and many of these servants were slain, the prophetic ministry died out.

For about four hundred years the voice of the living prophet fell silent. God was preparing for the day when He would send His beloved Son, the Messiah-Servant to redeem mankind. When the Lord Jesus came to teach and preach the Word of God, He would often refer to the Scriptures as His source of authority (Matthew 7:6; Mark 14:27; Luke 7:27; John 12:14 etc).

AS IT IS WRITEN- THE APOSTLES OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

The Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ followed suit. They too understood the written Scriptures as their source of authority. Two leading apostles may be cited.

1. The Apostle Paul cited the Scriptures frequently (Romans 11:8).

2. The Apostle Peter also based his teaching on the Scriptures (1 Peter 2:6-8).

OUR CHALLENGE

What is our challenge as we read this series of Devotions dedicated to studying the place of the written Scriptures? Let us consider the following suggestions.

1. The highest regard for the Word of the Lord

a) Let us emulate the example of the Lord Jesus.
b) Let us also take heed of the example of the Apostles of Christ.

2. Hiding the Lord’s word in our heart and mind

a) We are strongly admonished to hide God’s word in our heart.
b) If we do this our faith in the Lord will deepen significantly.

3. Walking in the wisdom found in God’s word

a) This is our greatest challenge of all. The Scriptures were meant to be practised in our daily life.
b) Let us pray for grace and strength to live out our faith that is based solely on the word of the Lord!