JAN 11

Psalm 119:129-136
Memorise Psalm 119:130
“…the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.”

With so many warnings in the Bible of false doctrines, and of people who interpret the Bible erroneously, how can I be certain of any teaching from God’s Word? How do I know how to rightly interpret the Bible, so that I do not fall prey to such wrong teachings? If there are so many “things hard to be understood”, then how can I be sure that I can understand anything at all! Furthermore, I am but a youth, not well versed in Scripture knowledge.

Today’s reading tells us that “the entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple”. When the Holy Spirit enters the heart of a person, no matter how ‘simple-minded’ or seemingly uneducated he may be, the assurance is that he can understand the truth of the gospel and accept it. That is why even children can come to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ at a very young age. What does that tell you about the Bible? Yes, certain parts of it may teach complex and difficult doctrines; yet, when you think about it, the underlying message of the Bible is truly so very clear and straightforward. We are all sinners in need of a Saviour. If we confess our sins and accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Saviour, we can have eternal life and no longer fear the wrath of God. The message is certainly not hard to grasp, neither is the action required on our part difficult to do. In fact, while other religions are all about what works their followers need to do, or what standards they must achieve, Christianity is different in that it is about what has already been done – of Christ’s finished work on the cross.

Ironically, the beauty of simplicity becomes a stumbling block to some, because people find it hard to accept that salvation can be just so simple. A common response when people hear the gospel is “Huh? That’s all I have to do? How can it be so simple?!” Sadly, rather than rejoicing over the fact that Christ has already done all the work in our place and gratefully accepting His gracious offer, these people choose to turn their backs and reject Him.

Dear teen, may you be encouraged to share the gospel with your friends, knowing that its simple message alone is enough to save sinners. May you also pray that the Holy Spirit will grant illumination in their hearts, that they will be able to accept the simple message of the gospel.

Thought: The gospel message is simple, yet profound.
Prayer: Lord, help me to trust in the power of the gospel when I share it.