6 Minute Read
Today’s Bible Reading:
Judges 9:22–10:18
Luke 24:13-53
Psalm 100:1-5
Proverbs 14:11-12
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Luke 24:27 (NLT): “Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
In August, I will teach the Old Testament Survey course at the new Baptist College of Flodida Lakeland campus. To say that I am excited to help instruct and equip the next generation of Christian leaders would be an understatement.
But … Old Testament Survey?
I took an Old Testament Survey course in college and then in seminary. Those two opportunities to explore the Old Testament from a 30,000-foot view were utterly boring. At the end of both semesters, my love for the Old Testament had actually grown colder. Rather than fuel my fire for God’s Word, those classes had dared to throw water on the fire.
Yet, when Jesus was taking the Emmaus Road disciples on a crash course of Old Testament Survey, they had a very different response. Just listen to the next verse, realizing that “Moses and all the prophets” is just another way of saying “Old Testament.”
Luke 24:27 (NLT): “Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.”
Now, listen to how the disciples described what it felt like to listen to Jesus speak about the Old Testament.
Luke 24:32 (NLT): “They said to each other, ‘Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?’”
What made Jesus’ Old Testament Survey crash course so heartwarming? I believe, among other things, He gave them the thrill of discovery. He shed light on Old Testament passages by showing those disciples where He, God with skin on, showed up, was spoken about, or was prophesied in the Old Testament writings. He “explained from all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.”
You’re familiar with the crucifixion of Jesus, aren’t you? Well, turn to Psalm 22 and read it, realizing that it was written about 1,000 years before the crucifixion.
You’re familiar with the story of how Jesus was awakened by His disciples during a storm, aren’t you? You remember how He stood up and calmed the storm and waves with just a word? Then turn to Psalm 107:23-32 and realize that it was written hundreds and hundreds of years before Jesus calmed the storm.
If you’d like to read an article I wrote that highlights when Jesus showed up in bodily form in the book of Genesis (I found at least 6 instances), just click the following title: “Jesus in the Old Testament.”
When you read the Old Testament, don’t think that it is outdated and irrelevant. Among the many other fascinating characteristics of those books, we see Jesus all over their pages. So, look for Him. As you do, you may find that just like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, your hearts will be strangely warmed.
Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
Matt’s Musings 