Read Romans 15:4

When I’m reading an obscure passage in the Old Testament, I sometimes think of Paul’s words to the believers in Rome:

“Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.” (Romans 15:4)

Did you know that verse was in the Bible? How gracious of God that from ancient times, He ordained that His Word would minister to future believers for generations to come. That passages tucked in the obscure corners of Genesis or Job or Ezekiel or Zephaniah can be as real and refreshing to us today as the uplifting expressions in Philippians or Colossians or Hebrews.

Whatever God preserved in those ancient days was written for our instruction today. It is worthy of our time, deep reflection, prayerful application, and, yes, obedience.

Paul reminded Timothy of the sacredness of God’s words for us, whether we’re reading the Old Testament or the New Testament:

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16–17)

Did you catch that? All Scripture is inspired by God. Not just the newest texts. Every word is God-breathed and can be used to teach us.

The Bible is worth building your life upon. We all have favourite passages with well-worn pages holding familiar words of comfort.

Enjoy the whole Word of God—it’s filled with the wisdom and treasures of God for you!

Devotional content taken from Good Morning, Lord...Can We Talk? by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 2018. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries. All rights reserved.

The full devotional can be purchased at https://www.tyndale.com/p/good-morning-lord-can-we-talk/9781414380681.