If when Moses saw that the burning bush was not consumed, he was told to put his shoes from off his feet for the place whereon he stood was holy ground, with what humility of mind, and holy reverence, should we approach the consideration of the imperishable and unalterable word of God which has been written for our instruction; especially when we remember our entire dependence on the Holy Spirit to receive, reveal, or communicate the things of God!
God knows our total inability for searching His deep things apart from the operation of the Spirit of God; but the Spirit having been given to those who believe, we may now not only know the things that are freely given to us of God, but are enjoined to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” God’s own revelation of His mind has not then been given merely to gifted preachers or teachers, but is the common property of the saints — of all those who are called of God by the gospel of His Son Jesus Christ. To such it is God’s wondrous gift. It is the present heritage of all His children. To neglect “the faith once delivered” is therefore to dishonor Him, and plainly shows that the heart is on something else. To prize it beyond all else here should distinguish us. Not to find the deepest interest in the pages of holy Scripture argues that we ponder it but little. It is well to read it; but to meditate on it night and day with delight is what God gives to those who seek increased acquaintance with Himself through His word. Happy are they who can truly say, with one of old,
With what lowliness of heart, then, should we approach the sacred volume, and with what gratitude to God for having given us such a treasure; with what godly fear, too, lest by an improper thought or utterance we tarnish the glory of its infinite perfection! When we consider that these “words of God” shall shine in all their unchanging brightness and eternal worth when heaven and earth shall have passed away, how can we but tremble lest by ignorance or weakness on our part we mar the testimony to the truth of God, or hinder its blessing to others?
If we think only of ourselves — our infirmities, our failures and unworthiness, how could we ever go forth to “fight the good fight of faith”? But when we consider that God has caused the Scriptures to be written for our comfort, that the apostle desired that “the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified,” that by it sinners are begotten of God, and His saints corrected and built up, we can then confidingly cast ourselves on the loving care and upholding goodness of our gracious God, and reckon upon His tender mercy. Nor would we, by grace, forget that He has said, “To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word” (Isa. 61:22To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; (Isaiah 61:2)). May this be the state of heart in which we ponder the inspired volume! for
A glory gilds the sacred page
Majestic, like the sun;
It gives a light to every age —
It gives, but borrows none.
The hand that gave it still supplies
The gracious light and heat;
Its truths upon believing rise —
They rise, but never set.