Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Listen to “Thoughts in Worship 01.31.2017” on Spreaker.
“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20).
The country’s forefathers, with the intent of protecting the liberties that many gave their lives to protect, framed the Constitution of the United States. Many wars, both foreign and domestic, were waged to bring a sense of freedom and justice to all. A countless number of hours, days, weeks, months, and years have been spent in spirited discussion regarding the interpretation of the principles on which the Constitution was built. Whenever there is a societal shift warranting reexamination of the Constitution, the intent of the framers of this document is hotly debated. This is discouraging at times because interpretation can be elusive even with an army of Constitutional Law attorneys.
With terrorism on the rise, civil and religious liberties are more frequently subjects of discussion. Critical questions regarding possible changes to the United States Constitution, in light of the increasing attacks and threats, are being posed daily. The difficulty arises when groups of high-ranking officials of every sort attempt to interpret the intent of the framers. How can an understanding of intent be arrived at with any certainty when the ones who collectively devised the document are resting in the grave? It is impossible to be one hundred percent certain concerning some of these complex issues so they do their best.
Fortunately, it is different with Scripture. God has given us the Bible as the only rule and guide for life. Many attempt to reinterpret the words written therein, but God has made Himself very clear on this matter. “Knowing this first that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20). He settled for all time the standard by which we must abide in order to arrive at godly intent. “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21). The same Holy Spirit that inspired God’s holy men to write His instructions in the Bible also brings understanding to sincere seekers for truth. “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself” (John 7:17). Not one word of Scripture is left up to individuals to interpret for themselves. The Lord will lead all who sincerely search for Him into all truth.
It is a blessing to know that the Bible is not like any other document. God does not leave us to grope in darkness in search for His divine intentions. He guides us by the power of the Holy Spirit to know His will. Pray that we will become more acquainted with the Spirit of God in order to know His will for our lives.
