FEAR NOT THE PARADOX! [Part 2]

The more I began to investigate seeming contradictions, or paradoxes in the Holy Scriptures, the more I felt like I had jumped down the proverbial “rabbit hole!” {It’s an inexhaustible undertaking, exploring the broad implications of biblical paradoxes—but one with innumerable blessings to one’s spiritual understanding and growth}! The writer of one online discussion of this topic commented: “Understanding the many paradoxes of Scripture isn’t an easy task. It requires serious study and a familiarity with the grand narrative of Scripture.” [Aaron Wilson, LifeWay Research.com] In light of that quote, one can understandably be motivated to dive into these paradoxes a little at a time; I’m drawn to taking an “eat-the-elephant-slowly” approach in studying them. Saturate your study with prayer, as the Spirit says in Psalm 119:18, and get comfy with your best study Bible and any excellent Bible commentaries you may have on hand. Let’s ponder a few reasons for pursuing the blessings that accompany a greater understanding of scriptural paradoxes.

For one thing, our Lord Jesus, in confronting Satan in the wilderness account, confidently defeated
him with “It is also written [Matthew 4:7]. As Christ followers, we, too, must respect the truth that our common spiritual enemy is the unsurpassed expert at twisting Scripture to pervert what our Lord has said! He has been at it since Genesis, chapter three! (Ergo, we must purpose to obey all the more our title verse, 2 Timothy 2:15. Another reason for familiarizing ourselves with biblical paradoxes is that they expand our understanding of how we have previously thought about a verse. Consider, for example, Mark 8:35, “…whoever desires to save His life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.” Embracing this paradoxical verse compels us to re-examine our NATURAL thoughts pertaining to “saving” our lives. Doesn’t it? It leads us to reflect on some attitudes, habits, and/or behaviors we may have settled in to over the years that have likely frustrated, or greatly retarded our spiritual growth. What DO I need to LOSE for Jesus’ sake? We needn’t wait until Sunday morning or Resurrection (Easter) season to launch this personal spiritual examination!

PRAYER: Father God, we want to so “mine” the treasures of Your Word that we intensify our habit of thinking and responding to You, other people, and the events of our daily lives, as Your Son did when He walked this earth. Thank You, in Jesus’ name; amen
By Sis. Denise Diggs