Repetition

As I look over posts I am reminded of how often we seem to have repetition of topics. I am sure that part of that, at least in posting, is a reflection of topics that I notice. We all have drums that we beat and harmonies that we like. I try not to harp on my pet themes, but am blind to my own foibles.

Another reason is that certain topics come up again and again. The Bible was put together to reflect what God wanted to say, not to achieve some literary idea of balance. If we see repeated reference to liars, it is because they offend God and He wants to remind us. If Proverbs talks a lot about wisdom, it is because we need to know about wisdom.

When you get to the letters of Paul, remember that the letters are written in response to issues and problems in the early church. Next time you start looking for a perfect church, remember that even Paul could not start one. If the early church had been perfect we would not have received much of the New Testament.

I trust the since the Holy Spirit was the real author of the Bible, it will say what I need to hear when I need to hear it. That is why a passage can come alive at a certain time in our lives. Have you had the experience of looking at a verse you underlined or a comment you wrote in the margin and wondered "Why?" At the time it was burning in you, now you are on another page. That is one of the glories of the word. It is alive and able to meet us where we are.

Read the word. Read the word. Read the word.