Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Literally?
My sister-in-law asked me last night if I didn't take the Bible literally. I answered that I take the Bible as the authors literally intended it to be taken. I think this answer might have disappointed her.
But consider that we all do that.
Isaiah 65:22: "for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands." The oldest verified redwood is 2200 years old. Some may be older than that. Does this mean that we should expect to live 2200 years? Or does is it just hyperbole to emphasize that life will be long -- or even a more satisfied or fuller life?
Amos 2:9 (which I just read yesterday): "Yet it was I who destroyed the Amorite before them, whose height was like the height of the cedars and who was as strong as the oaks..." Many cedars grow thirty five feet tall. Should we understand from this that the Amorites were thirty or forty feet tall? Or does this just emphasize their great stature and strength?
Psalm 114:4: "The mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs." Sounds like a scene from Disney's Fantasia? Or is it colorfully describing the shaking and trembling of the mountains when God came on Mount Sinai to give the Commandments? Isn't it a challenge to us that the very earth shakes in the presence of God and we are so often unmoved when we read His divine revelation each day?
Don't forget that our Lord Himself said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day." (John 6:53, 54) Don't make the mistake of the disciples who turned back and no longer walked with him. They took him literally, as if He intended cannibalism. He meant that He was giving His flesh to suffer and die. By eating and drinking he meant believing. He uses the physical to illustrate the spiritual, as in the hungering and thirsting of Matthew 5:6. You eat the meat to make it your own, so He must be your Lord and your God (John 20:28). Our redemption and salvation by His crucifixion is our delight. He is our spiritual nourishment.
So, you see, the Bible must be understood as the author literally intended it to be understood.
But consider that we all do that.
Isaiah 65:22: "for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands." The oldest verified redwood is 2200 years old. Some may be older than that. Does this mean that we should expect to live 2200 years? Or does is it just hyperbole to emphasize that life will be long -- or even a more satisfied or fuller life?
Amos 2:9 (which I just read yesterday): "Yet it was I who destroyed the Amorite before them, whose height was like the height of the cedars and who was as strong as the oaks..." Many cedars grow thirty five feet tall. Should we understand from this that the Amorites were thirty or forty feet tall? Or does this just emphasize their great stature and strength?
Psalm 114:4: "The mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs." Sounds like a scene from Disney's Fantasia? Or is it colorfully describing the shaking and trembling of the mountains when God came on Mount Sinai to give the Commandments? Isn't it a challenge to us that the very earth shakes in the presence of God and we are so often unmoved when we read His divine revelation each day?
Don't forget that our Lord Himself said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day." (John 6:53, 54) Don't make the mistake of the disciples who turned back and no longer walked with him. They took him literally, as if He intended cannibalism. He meant that He was giving His flesh to suffer and die. By eating and drinking he meant believing. He uses the physical to illustrate the spiritual, as in the hungering and thirsting of Matthew 5:6. You eat the meat to make it your own, so He must be your Lord and your God (John 20:28). Our redemption and salvation by His crucifixion is our delight. He is our spiritual nourishment.
So, you see, the Bible must be understood as the author literally intended it to be understood.
4 Comments:
Good point. Good post. Hope you're feeling better - I've been praying for you and your family each morning. I hope to hear a good report....soon!
God is on His throne and is working all things according to the counsel of His will.
That's a good report for every day.
About 3 years ago I dropped into a black hole – four months of absolute terror. I wanted to end my life, but somehow [Holy Spirit], I reached out to a friend who took me to hospital. I had three visits [hospital] in four months – I actually thought I was in hell. I imagine I was going through some sort of metamorphosis [mental, physical & spiritual]. I had been seeing a therapist [1994] on a regular basis, up until this point in time. I actually thought I would be locked away – but the hospital staff was very supportive [I had no control over my process]. I was released from hospital 16th September 1994, but my fear, pain & shame had only subsided a little. I remember this particular morning waking up [home] & my process would start up again [fear, pain, & shame]. No one could help me, not even my therapist [I was terrified]. I asked Jesus Christ to have mercy on me & forgive me my sins. Slowly, all my fear has dissipated & I believe Jesus delivered me from my “psychological prison.” I am a practicing Catholic & the Holy Spirit is my friend & strength; every day since then has been a joy & blessing. I deserve to go to hell for the life I have led, but Jesus through His sacrifice on the cross, delivered me from my inequities. John 3: 8, John 15: 26, are verses I can relate to, organically. He’s a real person who is with me all the time. I have so much joy & peace in my life, today, after a childhood spent in orphanages [England & Australia]. God LOVES me so much. Fear, pain, & shame, are no longer my constant companions. I just wanted to share my experience with you [Luke 8: 16 – 17].
Peace Be With You
Micky
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
(Matthew 6:33-34)
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
(1 John 4:18)
Micky, thank you for your post. I see that you've been posting it on many blogs. If you are reaching out and want to study more, I would be glad to set up a Bible study with you. If that is the case, post another comment here requesting it and I will contact you.
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