NO BIBLE NO BREAKFAST DAILY BIBLE REFLECTIONS AND MORE

“Be an answer to the person, not the question” is the theme for our reflection. An answer is a solution to a problem or a dilemma. On the other hand, a question is a matter requiring resolution. The theme “be an answer to the person, not the question” means we must do our best to offer solutions to the misunderstanding or dilemma in the minds of those who are either ignorant about the Scripture or to those who seek to know more about our Christian faith. We shall reflect on the fact that to be able to answer the person who wishes to be enlightened we must study and know the Scripture.

Beloved in the Lord, we cannot give what we do not have. Similarly, we cannot share knowledge we have not acquired. If we are to be the answer to people and not the ones creating further questions or dilemmas in their minds, we must have time to adequately study the Scripture and be knowledgeable. The Sadducees and Pharisees were prominent Jewish religious sects during Jesus’ time. Jesus also used the same Scripture which consists of the law and the Prophets. During Jesus’ interaction with Sadducees concerning resurrection and life after death, “Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. ³⁰ At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. ³¹ But about the resurrection of the dead—have you not read what God said to you, ³² ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.” (Matthew 22:29-32). In other words, Jesus’ reply exposed the ignorance of the Sadducees but most importantly demonstrated His knowledge of Scripture and the power He had over opponents who claimed to know the Scripture but in fact were woefully limited or deficient in its understanding. We are told that “When the crowds heard Jesus teaching, they were astonished at his teaching. (Matthew 22:33) In deed, Matthew 22:23-46 is the demonstration of Jesus’ knowledge and understanding of the Scritpure over the limited knowledge of those who claim to be teachers of the Scritpure. We are told that after the Sadducees and Pharisees had exhausted their questions and Jesus had fully given them answers, “No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions. (Matthew 22:46)

Dear friend and fellow disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ, how well do you know your Scripture? Do you make time daily to read and study the Scripture? Do you apply the principle “no Bible no breakfast” in your life? An Ethiopian Eunuch had the desire to know more about the Scripture but was limited in his understanding of it, “Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. ³¹ “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him… Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. (Acts 8:30-31,35). Beloved in the Lord Philip could not have taught this prominent man the Scripture if he had not read and understood the Scripture himself. Again, Jesus has commissioned us to “…go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you (Matthew 28:19-20). How can we make disciples of all nations if we are deficient in our understanding of the Scripture? Many of us have failed to win souls for Christ simply because we are limited in our understanding of the Scripture and His teachings. It is a simple principle, once we have not read and studied the Scripture it will be difficult to teach or explain it. Hosea 4:6 also remind us that “my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.” It is for this reason Paul admonished Timothy, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15). It is also important to note that when we avail ourselves to study the Scripture, the Holy Spirit will enable us to understand it and grant us the grace to always remember it whenever it is time for us to show ourselves approved as ones correctly handling the word of truth. In other words, when we are committed to our calling as disciples of Jesus Christ by dedicating our time to Study and apply His Word in our lives, He has greatly assured us that “²⁶ … the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26).

In summary, the theme for our reflection is “Be an answer to the person, not the question. We have been taught that to be able to answer the person who wishes to be enlightened about our faith, doctrines and Scripture, we must first and foremost study and know the Scripture. Again, when we avail ourselves or dedicate our time and energy to studying the Scripture, we shall be taught and given the spirit of remembrance by the Holy Spirit to give answers or teach others to be enlightened. Amen.

PRAYER
1. Let us pray to overcome the excuses and challenges that make us unable to read and study the Scripture as faithful Christians or believers.
2. Let us pray for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to receive knowledge, understanding and divine wisdom to be able to give answers and teach others to come to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Holy Spirit, strengthen us to develop the passion for reading and studying the Scripture so that we shall be well equipped for the mission of the Lord. Amen.