 Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things . . .
Psalm 119:18 (ESV) 2 Timothy 2:7 (NIV84) Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. The Lord speaks to us through the Word of God. But he also uses illustrations or pictures He wants us to think about. Consider how the Lord gives us insight.Here are some thoughts from two commentaries. 7. Consider the force of the illustrations I have given from the soldier, the contender in the games, and the husbandmen, as applying to thyself in thy ministry.and the Lord give, &c.—The oldest manuscripts read, “for the Lord will give thee understanding.” Thou canst understand my meaning so as personally to apply it to thyself; for the Lord will give thee understanding when thou seekest it from Him “in all things.” Not intellectual perception, but personal appropriation of the truths metaphorically expressed, was what he needed to be given him by the Lord. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 424). Logos Research Systems, Inc. (2:7) “Consider” is noeō (νοεω), “to perceive with the mind, to understand, think upon, ponder, consider.” Expositors translates, “ ‘Grasp the meaning’ of these three similes.… If you have not sufficient wisdom to follow my argument, ‘ask of God who giveth to all men liberally’ (Jas. 1:5).” Paul had used the illustration of a soldier. Timothy was to live a rugged, strenuous Christian life in which hardships as the result of serving the Lord Jesus were an expected thing. He used the simile of a Greek athlete. Timothy should live a life of rigid separation, not merely with respect to evil things, but also with regard to things which, good in themselves, would unfit him for the highest type of Christian service. Paul now uses the metaphor of a tiller of the soil. Timothy is reminded that the Christian worker who labors with wearisome effort in the Lord’s service, has the right to derive his financial support from it, so that he might be able to give all of his time and strength to his work. Translation. Grasp the meaning of that which I am saying, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things. Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest’s word studies from the Greek New Testament: for the English reader (Vol. 8, pp. 130–131). Eerdmans. Reflect on the pictures God gives us with His word. Then determine how they apply to your life today. Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com _________________________ The Holy Bible: New International Version (2 Ti 2:7). (1984). Zondervan. Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved.Bible Nuggets are written for pastors, youth leaders and missionaries who desire to go deeper still in God’s Word. Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.
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 A Kingdom Leader is always seeking God. He has a thirst for the fellowship that can be so satisfying and enriching. He knows that the quest for a moment by moment relationship with Christ is threatened by the swirling winds of busyness.
Is your personal time with Christ fluttering with only brief moments of exposure? Do you rush through prayer and Bible study? Do you find yourself overwhelmed with activities and priorities? Do you feel depressed and overwhelmed with unclear goals? Can you set your daily cares aside and focus? A daily walk with Christ can sometimes feel dry. You can feel like you are walking through a sweltering desert. Don't miss the refreshing solitude of being still and understanding that He is God. Deuteronomy 4:29 (NIV84) But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul. Don't be like the bird that finds its way into a room only to escape through another window. That fluttering experience can be very frustrating. Find time for an intimate encounter with Jesus. It will refresh your heart and soul. Cathy and Danny Sartin www.deeperstillmissions.com ________________________ The Holy Bible: New International Version (Dt 4:29). (1984). Zondervan.Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved. Photos taken by Cathy and Danny Sartin in Africa. Kingdom Leadership is written for missionaries and ministers serving our Lord in various parts of the world. Re-Prints: Deeper Still Missions devotionals are protected by international copyright laws. To request reprint permission contact the offices of DSM. Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this post in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions. |
Danny SartinFour decade veteran of youth ministry in churches, Youth For Christ and now is the Founder and Executive Director of Deeper Still Missions. Danny and his wife Cathy spend most of their time mentoring missionaries in Africa, Europe, Central America and North America. Future opportunities include South America and the Asia Pacific area. Archives
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