Old paths and a new view

Do you remember that scene where Shmuel and Nicodemus are conversing? Both teachers are wondering what or who Jesus really is.

Jesus is the "new" rabbi. But what to do with Him, because He totally turns your world upside down....

Today, we look at two texts that both indicate something beautiful.

First, the verse from Jeremiah. A call and command to hold on to what is good by looking to the past and finding the "right" way out of history and going on that. So, learning from what God has done in the past.

Think of the histories we know from the Old Testament. How much they teach you about Who God is! His power, His faithfulness, His provision, His character. Wonderful!

It is important to keep going back to the word of God. To read it, re-read it, imbibe it. To reflect on it. How well do you know your Bible? How much time do you spend pondering God's word? What are you reading (besides this reading plan)?

At the same time, there is a danger of reducing God to what we know about Him from history (and from the Bible). God is a creative God. In the verse from Isaiah, we learn that God makes something new.

Realize that you are human and that this involves quite a few limitations. God is God. He speaks to us and shows Himself to us. He does not limit Himself to our four dimensions, while He may have '777' of them. God is infinitely greater than we can imagine. That makes us approach Him with caution.

He is truly the Lord. He is THE Master. He is THE Teacher!

In this part of The Chosen, we see Shmuel and Nicodemus struggle with exactly this. For what if God shows Himself in ways we never thought possible? Do we see Him then? Do we notice the "new" thing He wants to do?

Of course, we stand more than 2,000 years after the coming of Jesus, and our situation is different from that of Samuel and Nicodemus, but still, with what attitude are you living with the Lord? Do you know it all, or do you expect some new thing He is doing in your life?

"Lord, help me hold fast to the good of ‘the old paths’ AND give me eyes to see what You are doing for news today..."

Take the following questions to think about:

• Do you know the Bible and the histories found there? Do you read through them regularly? What image do you have of God from what you read there?
• How do you shape your (quiet) time with God? Are you satisfied with that? What would you like to change?
• What "news" do you see the Lord doing in your life?

Prayer:

"Lord, I realize my limitations. You are God, and I am not. Help me to learn to see more and more with Your eyes. Lord, help me to spend time in Your Word. To learn. To enjoy. To know You. To worship. Lord, also do something new in my life. Creator, create in my life what is needed to serve You. Create something new, renewing God. In Jesus' name. Amen."