ODJ: why study?
December 18, 2010
I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You (Psalm 119:11).
READ: Luke 2:41-50
Why do I have to study?” declared the high school student. “Life is an open-book test!” He was bright, bored, and oh-so-much-more-interested in the vital things of life—like playing online games and texting his “gf.” His assertion holds a certain appeal, doesn’t it? After all, information is just a mouse-click away. The problem is, he’s failed to draw the distinction between knowledge and wisdom—the accurate and timely application of information.
In Luke’s account of the life of Jesus, we get a unique glimpse into the Savior’s childhood. At just 12 years old, Jesus displayed amazing knowledge of God’s Word in the temple (Luke 2:47). “That was easy for Him,” you might say. “He’s the Son of God!” But the context to me indicates that Jesus was still youthfully naïve; He couldn’t understand His parents’ concern over His absence for several days (v.48).
Years later, when Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness, He quickly countered the devil’s insolent proposals with an ease that displayed a thorough and accurate knowledge of the Scriptures (see Luke 4:1-13).
Later, on the day of Jesus’ resurrection from the tomb, He appeared to two travelers who didn’t recognize Him. Jesus observed that they were “foolish people” because of their lack of belief in the words of the prophets. But then He explained the Old Testament prophecies to them. They would say that evening: “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as He talked with us?” Jesus used His knowledge to bolster the faith of two discouraged believers (see Luke 24:13-32).
The accumulation of knowledge without wisdom will make us proud and ruthless. But biblical knowledge applied with love and discernment will keep us from bad choices, and will help us serve others. —Tim Gustafson
What are your motivations for learning? What do you do with the knowledge you have gained?
Tweet This
Share on Facebook
Digg This
Save to delicious
Stumble it-
RSS Feed
Related
wrong impressions
June 19, 2009 God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him (v.17). READ: John 3:16-18 Recently, a pastor led a young man to faith in Jesus. At one point in their conversation, the young man had hesitantly asked the pastor, “Now that I’m a Christian, [...]
ODJ: home again
September 13, 2009 Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer (v.9). READ: Ruth 3 Tracy Orr’s home had been repossessed by the bank. She had lost her job and couldn’t keep up with the mortgage payments. While attending a real estate auction during which her home would be sold, [...]
ODJ: clear conscience
August 14, 2011 I will maintain my innocence without wavering. My conscience is clear for as long as I live (v.6). READ: Job 27:1-6 The previous owner of our house purchased an invisible fence to keep their dog from running into the street. The “fence” is comprised of a wire buried just beneath the surface of [...]
Proof: The evidence of God
Are you struggling in your beliefs? Look up at the stars tonight. In the sky is crafter an amazing road sign pointing to the Designer behind the design. —Dennis Fisher, Our Daily Bread
Christian Courses
Day Of Discovery
Discover The Word
Discovery Series
Help For My Life
My Utmost For His Highest
Our Daily Bread
Our Daily Journey
RBC Ministries
WarungSateKaMu
Manasociety
雅米