March 6–Inventory It

Happy Wednesday. We have been doing inventory at the store—making sure every item’s SKU number matches what is listed in the computer and that everything is accounted for. It’s a tedious item by item process but really necessary. 


Last night I was reading in Revelations 3, and it dawned on me that the way I had always thought of the passage of Jesus knocking on the doors of hearts may not be right. I dug out some tried and true commentaries and applied what I’ve always been taught when you’re trying to interpret scripture.

1. Does it make sense in light of its context?

2. Does it make sense in light of the rest of scripture? 


“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3:20‬ ‭NIV‬‬


Contextually, this verse is talking about the church at Laodiacea who has become an apostate church. And in light of other passages, if we look at Ephesians 2:1-9, we see that salvation is about much more than Jesus begging for a toe-hold in our heart. It’s about us being dead in our transgressions and being made alive in Christ—being transformed by the renewing of our minds. He wants all of us but He isn’t standing on our spiritual doorstep badgering us, but’s about His intervening work rescuing us from the just penalty of our sin. 


When we study the scripture for all its worth, we have to take inventory of it and make sure all of it matches what we’ve “always thought” or if not, dig until we know what it does means—check the SKU numbers so to speak. “Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good,”

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:20-21‬ ‭NIV‬‬


Jesús Lover of our souls, help us to be good students of your word—these ancient words that guide us though this life into your glorious light. We praise you for the gift of your wisdom and for the gift of your grace. Help us to grow in mercy to be more like you. You are our Redeemer and King. We ask for your blessings and protection as we try to be your hands and feet to love more and care deeper. Amen and amen. 


Love you dear one,

Pam

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