The OT

Rom 15:4-6 "For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

I recently heard a person say: "I never read the Old Testament." Ouch. They don't know what they are missing. One thing that I know that they are missing is patience and comfort. The word for patience means constancy or steadfastness. The OT gives us patience. The OT gives us stability. The OT gives us consistency.

Not only that but it gives us comfort. The word for comfort also means encouragement and edification. The OT allows us to be encouraged as we see how God was at work in people's lives and how He can work in our lives today.

It all boils down to learning. What was written before was written so we can learn. How can you not get into the OT? If it is going to instruct me, if it is going to give me stability, if it is going to encourage me...I am cheating myself if I ignore or avoid it.

Why does the OT do this? Because it is from God. It is from the very heart of God. It is from the very mouth of God. ("All Scripture (OT and NT) is God breathed..." 2 Tim 3:16) and since it is from the heart and mouth of God it will reflect His character, which is also patience and comfort. Just look at this:

"May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you; May He send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen you out of Zion...May He grant your according to your heart's desire and fulfill all your purpose." Ps 20:1-4

Just a random selection from the Psalms, but look at that. God's answer, God's defense, God's help, God's strength, God's fulfillment in my life.

The end result...unity. Like minded toward one another, with one mind and one mouth all glorifying God together. Trouble in this area? Get into the word together. Don't ignore any of it. Study it together. Read it together. Meditate on it together. It will bring comfort, encouragement and unity, to the ultimate glory of God.