More Than Hacks
He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever—holy and awesome is his name.
Psalm 111:9
I recently found a “hack” (a clever solution to a tricky problem) when one of my grandchildren warmed her toy rabbit on our fireplace glass. The resulting globs of fake bunny fur weren’t pretty, but a fireplace expert provided a great hack—a tip for how to make the glass look like new. It worked, and now we no longer allow stuffed animals near the fireplace!
I bring up hacks because sometimes we can view Scripture as a collection of hacks—tips to make life easier. While it’s true that the Bible has much to say about how to live a Christ-honoring new life, that’s not the only purpose of the Book. What Scripture provides for us is a solution for mankind’s greatest need: rescue from sin and eternal separation from God.
From the promise of salvation in Genesis 3:15 all the way to the true hope of a new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1-2), the Bible explains that God has an eternal plan for rescuing us from our sin and allowing us to enjoy fellowship with Him. In every story and every suggestion for how to live, the Bible is pointing us to Jesus—the only One who can solve our biggest problem.
When we open God’s Book, may we remember that we’re looking for Jesus, the rescue He offers, and how to live as His children. He’s provided the greatest solution of all!
By Dave Branon
REFLECT & PRAY
Father, thank You for the salvation You provided through Jesus. Help me to honor You by keeping focused on our Savior and His amazing love for me. To learn more about who Jesus is, visit christianuniversity.org/NT111.
How has Jesus and His promise to rescue those who believe in Him touched your heart and life? Why is it vital to see that the Bible consistently points to Christ?
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SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Psalm 111 is one of seven Old Testament psalms known as “acrostic psalms” (other acrostics are 25, 34, 37, 112, 119, 145). They’re designated as such because of their alphabetical ordering. The Hebrew alphabet has twenty-two letters (from aleph to taw); an acrostic psalm has 22 lines or verses, each beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Psalms 111 and 112 are companion psalms. In the Hebrew language, both have twenty-two lines in ten verses, apart from the call to worship, “Praise the Lord.”
With a marvelous touch of creativity, the writer boasts about the “works” of the Almighty (111:2, 6-7). Other words and expressions used to speak of the activity of God are “deeds” (v. 3) and “wonders” (v. 4). His character is likewise celebrated: “his righteousness endures forever”; He’s “gracious and compassionate”; and “he remembers his covenant forever” (vv. 3-5). Arthur Jackson
With a marvelous touch of creativity, the writer boasts about the “works” of the Almighty (111:2, 6-7). Other words and expressions used to speak of the activity of God are “deeds” (v. 3) and “wonders” (v. 4). His character is likewise celebrated: “his righteousness endures forever”; He’s “gracious and compassionate”; and “he remembers his covenant forever” (vv. 3-5). Arthur Jackson
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