JAN 3

Psalm 119:97
Memorise Psalm 119:97
“Therefore I love thy commandments above gold.”

In Psalm 119:97, David speaks of his great love for God’s Word, to the extent that he meditates upon it always. To meditate is to seek to understand the meaning of God’s Word, to muse and reflect upon it, and to allow the Word to deeply convict us of the truth, that we may live our lives by this truth.

Though John Calvin stands tall as the foremost theologian of the Reformed tradition, he himself did not create a new “school” of theology. Calvin and other Reformed theologians like him sought to draw men back to what the Word of God teaches concerning how the church ought to function. It was such allegiance to Scripture that enabled Martin Luther to stand before the might of the Pope and his Councils and declare, “I am convinced by the testimony of Scripture… and I can and will not retract.” These simple and famous words reflect the highest regard that Reformed theology has for Holy Scripture. Note though that Luther could not have made such a stand without deep meditation on the Word to allow it to convict his heart. Indeed Luther was well known for his many hours spent in meditation on God’s Word.

Dear teen, do you love the Scripture enough to spend time to read and meditate upon it? As you do that you will discover new and rich insights that a quick reading will overlook. Allow the Word to convince and convict you, so that you live by it no matter what difficulties may surface, even when others ridicule you for wanting to stand up for the faith. For example, if we have meditated enough on the commandment “Thou shalt not bear false witness”, not only would our conscience prick us when we are tempted to lie, but we would be resolved to always tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, even if we had to endure punishment or be ostracised as a result of it. On the other hand, if we have never had to make such a stand, then perhaps we have never allowed ourselves to meditate upon God’s Word in the first place and let it convict us to live by the truth of His Word.

Thought: Is the Bible the highest authority in your life? 
Prayer: Our Father in heaven, grant me a greater love for Your precious Word.