In these Scripture readings, we have two very
different kings in very different situations. Darius was dealing with a
political matter. King Ahasuerus simply could
not sleep. Both situations took them
back to the archives, the books of records, the chronicles, “where the
treasures are stored.” (Ezra 6:1) It was
in the things written down long ago that they found the wisdom they needed and were
prompted to do the right things. As we
read their story and others in the Bible, we too find wisdom and
encouragement. We have an incredible
treasure stored up for us in God’s word. It is a treasury of truth.
Ancient text empowered by a living God become dynamic,
personal and applicable. 2 Timothy 3:16,17 tells us that within this amazing
library is a treasury of truth that equips us for every good work we are called
to do. The prayer in Hebrews 13:20,21 is
that the “God of peace … equip you with every good thing to do His will,
working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to
whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
That prayer is foremost answered by the working of the Holy Spirit
through Scripture.
This divinely inspired text does four things according to
2 Timothy 3:16,17: teaches, reproof/rebukes, corrects and trains. As a parent, we use these four simple steps
in teaching our children how to do basic chores, like making a bed. Teaching is
a demonstration of how something should be done. A child watches the process of
making a bed, sees the finished project and works with you in making his or her
bed. Reproof sounds harsh, but merely
refers to pointing out when something isn’t right. We all see our mistakes best in the
context of gentleness. 2 Timothy 4:2
reminds us to “reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and
instructions.” When the bedspread is
pulled up, but the under blankets are in a wad beneath, a gentle rebuke is
necessary. Correcting is the process of
showing how to fix what isn’t right. Training is the repetitive practice of
doing it properly, so it becomes the consistent way we do things. God’s word extends far beyond chores, into
how to do all of life in such a way that it is glorifying and gracious.
Seeing what should be done, identifying what wasn’t right
and adjusting accordingly were all a part of what both Darius and Ahasuerus
were able to do by going back to their written treasuries. They used the resources available to
them. We need to do the same. The door to the
treasury of truth is always open. The author and perfecter of our faith
(Hebrews 12:2), is happy to help us find just what we need. The Holy Spirit is
our faithful tutor enabling us to take this treasury of truth and make it life
defining. (John 14:26; John 16:13 and 1 John 2:27) However, like Darius and Ahasuerus, finding begins with the search. (Proverbs 2:1-5; John 5:39)
Making
It Personal
Looking back at the past year, how has God used His word
to teach, reproof, correct and train you in righteousness?
- What has
He taught you regarding the life God desires you to live?
- Through
the reading and studying of the Bible, what changes in attitude, actions or way
of thinking has He brought to your attention that needed to be addressed?
- What are
some of the specific guidelines, instructions, or truths has He given you to
apply in order to make His kind of life a reality?
- Are you
putting these into practice?
What is required of you according to 2 Timothy 2:15?
When we treasure God’s word and all it teaches us, what
will you discover according to Colossians 2:2-3 and Isaiah 33:6?
How can you make your daily life one defined by the
riches drawn from the treasury of truth?
