Words from the Rock
Every student of the Scriptures who becomes a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like someone who brings out new and old treasures from the storeroom.
Matthew 13:52 CEV
Jesus has just done a spot-check with his disciples by asking if they’re really getting what he’s been telling them mostly in parables. They assure him that they have a handle on it, which must be a relief to him because he has so much more to teach them, and a relatively short time to do it.
But he takes a moment to encourage them. He reminds them of the fact that they’ve been well trained in Judaism. These guys grew up attending synagogue, studying Jewish laws, and learning about the prophets. It was a good foundation for the new things Jesus was now teaching them. Their prior education was important because it wouldn’t be long before these same men would be teaching others and building the first Christian church.
Jesus says that this kind of preparation—of having old teaching combined with new—is like being a wealthy homeowner or shopkeeper, a person with all kinds of materials available and ready. Whether he has a valuable antique he can trade or something modern and useful, this person will be well equipped and ready for anything.
That’s what Jesus wants for us too. He wants us to understand his words and his teachings and to appreciate how they change our lives so that we too can be ready and equipped for whatever might come our way.
My Prayer
Dear God,
Help me to commit to spending more time reading your Word, learning about you, and making your teaching a vital part of my life.
Amen.
Final Word
If they listen and obey God, they will be blessed with prosperity throughout their lives. All their years will be pleasant.
Job 36:11 NLT
Stone for the Journey
I will take time to know God better.