RECEIVING WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING

Acts 7:52-53

"Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him -- you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it."

Here was Stephen, standing alone before the Sanhedrin accusing them of not just persecuting the prophets, but murdering the Messiah. Talk about inflammatory comments! I can only imagine the courage it took to speak with such boldness. He knew what they were capable of (murder), yet he continued on with this, his final accusation: "...you who have received the law put into effect by angels but have not obeyed it."

As we read the Bible we are always on the side of the "good guys," in this case Stephen. After all, we know how the story goes -- who is right and who is wrong. Too bad life isn't that simple. Have you ever had a day when you got up, read and studied the Bible, prayed, and then went out into the real world and done exactly the opposite of what you just read, studied and prayed about? That's what Stephen is talking about: receiving (reading and studying), without understanding (or application).

Paul addresses this issue in Romans when he explains that the Law only has the power to identify what sin is; it does not have the power to change us. When we intellectually read Biblical principles -- that's all we're doing -- making rules so we know when we've done the wrong thing. Therefore it is no surprise when we go out and do just the opposite of what we just read about.

Scripture comes alive in our hearts and our lives when we ask the Lord to not only help us understand, but also show us how to apply His Word.

Too often we approach the Bible as philosophy or a set of rules without the depth and richness that comes from a spiritual perspective. Is there a disconnection between your Bible study and your real life? Maybe it's time to change your approach. How can you begin today to connect what you are receiving with your everyday life? What is the first step for you?


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