MAY 17

Luke 10:33
Memorise Matthew 5:18
“…one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled”

Our contact group has been studying the book of Romans. We had been going through chapters 1, 2 and the first part of chapter 3 over many months, and were all looking to the solution to sin! In the early chapters of Romans, the apostle Paul convinced us thoroughly that “all have sinned”. Now on to Romans 3:21, “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested”. “But now” are two little words that gives us so much encouragement – from the doom and gloom of universal sin to the wonders of salvation! Just to read these two little words “But now” rejoices the heart!

Now we get back to the parable of the Good Samaritan. In verses 31 and 32, we are introduced to the priest and the Levite. The word “and” is used repeatedly, showing that the story continues to flow in the same direction with no big turning points. Now look at verse 33 – you will notice that it starts with a very big “But”. For here, we are shown the sharp and shocking contrast between the first two passers-by, and the Samaritan. Whereas the priest and the Levite callously “passed by on the other side”, the Samaritan noticed the Jew and deliberately “came where he was”; most amazing of all, we see that “he had compassion on him”! The use of the word “But” would therefore alert the reader to the fact that the big “twist” in the story is coming; that something unexpected and quite opposite to what had happened previously is about to happen.

Remember, every single word of Scripture is there for a reason! As you know God’s word more and more, look out for these seemingly inconsequential “buts” and “therefores” and “notwithstandings”, or even just the simple “for” and “and”, for these all help to shed additional light on a passage. And you will surely understand and rejoice in the Word of God more and more!

Thought: The more we love God, the more we’ll love His Word. The more we love His Word, the more we’ll love God!
Prayer: Lord, teach me to love Thy Word more and more each day.