Scripture for Today: John 5:39-40 “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life.  These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.”

At one point, Cliff notes were indispensable!  It was the preferred method for understanding the plot of a book without actually reading it.  It was widely considered cheating, except for the busy student who had no time to study!  The summary given in the Cliff notes gives others the impression that one knows everything there is to know about a book.  Of course, today there are on-line search engines that can give that same impression.

Our verse for today was addressed to the Jewish leaders persecuting Jesus.  Jesus affirmed that they took no shortcuts but diligently searched the Scriptures.  But they refused to believe the testimony of those Scriptures.  Rather than believe that Jesus is the Source of Life, they preferred to believe they could obtain eternal life through study.

Somehow, these religious leaders missed the whole theme of the Bible.  It was as if they had only read the Cliff notes.  In spite of all their study, they came to the wrong conclusions and refused Jesus Christ who Himself is the theme of the Bible.  In coming to Him, we not only receive eternal life, but we have our spiritual eyes opened to understand His Word.

The Scriptures are like no other book as they allow me to draw closer and closer to its Author.  He reveals Himself and communicates His love through those pages.  To study the Bible for the sake of study does not interest me.  To study the Bible to deepen my relationship with Him motivates me!

Thank you Lord, that Your Word leads me to You!