Feast with the King

The Bible is an utterly awesome book in every respect.  I feel humbled and privileged every time I open God's Word and explore the limitless storehouses of wisdom contained therein.  It is not just history, poetry, dialogue, and hard-hitting action:  it is the primary means of God speaking to us as we are led by the Holy Spirit.  Every word of it is pure, powerful, and relevant to the struggles and questions we have today.  For a high daily percentage of the last 30 years of my life, I have read the Bible.  The lustre of its truth has not dimmed, nor the depth of the riches of wisdom.  Through it God is revealed to man, and man is shown his great need for a Saviour and King.

When I was young, I used to report weekly at church to my friend Evan all the juicy tidbits I found.  I loved reading the book of Judges most of all.  Some of the historical accounts are quite graphic in detail.  One of my favorites was when Ehud gutted King Eglon in his private chamber with a sword a cubit long.  Because Eglon was a heavy man, the fat closed over the hilt of the blade and Ehud was unable to remove it.  I also loved reading the wisdom contained in the Proverbs and the words of Jesus Christ.  The more I read, the more I was delighted by the height, length, depth, and breadth of it.  These are not mere "stories" for entertainment or pithy sayings of learned men:  it is the completely accurate and true Word of God intended to instruct men in the character and will of God which transcends time; to provide insights starting with creation and extends to the end of the world; to convict of sin, righteousness, and judgment through the power of the Holy Spirit; to reveal promises, prophesies, and fulfillments; and to establish Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah of all flesh and the only Way to forgiveness and eternal salvation.

Some view the Bible akin to a collection of ancient fairy tales which may profit certain weak minded individuals.  History shows us that certain sects and individuals have used the scriptures unlawfully, claiming to possess special knowledge of the hidden truths of God for selfish and sinful purposes.  But this does not mean the Bible in itself is flawed or that it cannot be understood by common people.  The key to comprehending and rightly applying God's Word is to be born again through repentance and faith in Christ.  Once the Holy Spirit takes up residence within us, our eyes are opened and our hearts are prepared to receive the truth of God's Word.  1 Corinthians 2:12-14 says, "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. ¹³ These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. ¹⁴ But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."  Some unbelievers might appreciate the Bible on a strictly literary plane, but God intended His Word to speak to and meet our deepest spiritual needs.

The wisdom and humanistic philosophies of this world are in direct opposition to the truth of scripture.  The widely accepted views promoting self are like the self-indulgent, idolatrous, and wicked Queen Jezebel.  It was nothing for her to kill her own subjects to advance her interests.  The wisdom of this age parades around with heavy make-up, surrounded with her impotent eunuchs.  When Jehu entered into the city of Jezreel, the grand and illustrious queen presented herself in a window with her royal crown on her head.  She scoffed at Jehu for his insurrection against her wicked house.  2 Kings 9:32-33 reads, "And he looked up at the window, and said, "Who is on my side? Who?" So two or three eunuchs looked out at him. ³³ Then he said, "Throw her down." So they threw her down, and some of her blood spattered on the wall and on the horses; and he trampled her underfoot."  When we open the Bible, we are forced to either side with Jesus or the wisdom of this age spawned by Satan.  We are either for Jesus or against Him.  He says to us, "Who is on my side?"  We are to thrown down all worldly wisdom to be trampled underfoot, for all things have been placed under His feet and authority.  There is not one stone of these vain theories and philosophies of men which will not be overturned when Christ returns to set up His throne.

The Bible instructs and the Holy Spirit empowers Christians to submit all our beliefs, thoughts, and actions under Christ.  2 Corinthians 10:3-6 states, "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. ⁴ For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, ⁵ casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, ⁶ and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled."  The Bible is not comprised of opinions to be considered, but commands to be obeyed.  It is absolute truth to be believed and lived out.  To do this, we must cast down the world's ways and embrace Christ.  When we follow Him we will not even notice we are giving things up because He is our focus:  our Redeemer, Deliverer, and Lover of our souls.  He stands at the door and knocks, desiring to dine with us.  Cast down the wisdom of this world and leave it for the dogs.  Open your Bible instead and feast with the King!