In graduate school, I had a stark realization as first semester syllabuses were handed out in class. It reminded me of a similar eye-opener in college-level classes after high school – but this was definitely a step up. As I began to digest graduate school expectations, I noticed a panicky feeling inside. There would be no reminders, no pace set for us, no little “clues.” Set your own reminders, pace, and “get a clue!” The level of expectation was much higher. There was no option except to tear into it, and hope for the best!
My educational “get-a-clue” experience is one small example of many times we just need to get going. Just tear into it with best efforts and discipline. Typically, people apply this tear into approach to –
But add to all that – what about relationships? Then add in time and responsibility management for everything you stuff into the cracks of life – like most people do. What about your own spiritual development? There comes a time when you’ve just got to tear into it. And similar to the “wake-up call” in higher education, you can’t wait till the last minute and expect to do a good job.
Tearing into life takes time, discipline, perseverance, and all the imagination you have.
Many times, life feels too BIG. Managing each daily detail is a stretch. But your daily life details dwarf slightly compared to much larger global realities – like:
Do You Know It All?Do you know about all those things? I certainly don’t. Often, we feel pleased to handle a small corner of life. And working to be whole people in a large world, you can sometimes feel quite small. Yet, your life is valuable.
The value of your life is determined by God. Subsequently, it’s His design. You’re not an accident, but rather a treasured, anticipated, expected birth God knew about before He created anything. Your life matters to God – and to His purposes.
So interestingly, your life has impact beyond your current knowledge. What will you do with that information?
Well, I have an answer to share. If you follow Alive and Active Life, you’ve heard me talk about this before. Since Scripture is the main tool God provides to –
. . . you (and I) ought to be in God’s Word every day!
Incidentally, many Jesus followers struggle to know just how to make God’s Word applicable in practical ways. They know Scripture is critical to their growth and well-being. Yet, practical application? Especially with complex Scriptural principles interfacing our current world. Then there’s the idea some have that Scripture contradicts itself (which it doesn’t).
So, the point of this whole content: I want to share how to tear into Scripture. I call this activity “Scripture Dissection.” Quite literally – how do you tear Scripture apart, make sense of it, and apply it practically to daily life in a meaningful way?
WHAT?! – on earth is hermeneutics? Well, most dictionaries define hermeneutics with ideas like:
So what’s exegesis? Again, most dictionaries define similarly to this.
That’s a lot to think about, though, when you open your Bible!
How can this be simplified?
Just Tear Into ItTo effectively study God’s Word simply means – tear into it!
But it also means pondering it (meditate), committing to quick access (memorize), valuing it deeply because it contains God’s ideas, principles, and His very heart.
So, in summary, it means treasuring getting into God’s Word, and getting God’s Word into you.
Incidentally, when I started doing these things, Scripture began to mean a lot to me. And I’ve been tearing into it ever since.
Well, I hope to bring a Scripture dissection into our article rotation a bit more often. So – stay tuned.
Incidentally, today we’ll dissect a short verse. Most of today’s content provides backstory of why you need to tear into Scripture. And even more specifically, to tear into life using God’s Word – if you intend to live a purposeful life.
These are four categories we will explore with each Scripture dissection:
In future publications, we’ll take more time to tear into Scripture portions and the dissection process together. I invite you to participate from your heart, and I’ll do the same. Ask God to open your understanding, creativity, and desire for more of God’s Word.
As a point of clarity, Scripture Dissection articles I’ll bring once-in-a-while are not a seminary study. If you want seminary, there are multiple schools you can apply to. This exercise is for us every-day-Jesus-followers to simply ask good questions, ponder, explore, and conclude reasonable and practical applications from the most important book on earth!
First, let’s look up various versions of this verse:
All these versions bring attention to the fact that Jesus, the God-man who created all things, looked up to acknowledge God! This shows reverence. Said another way – “the fear of the Lord.”
Each version also notes Jesus calls God – “Father.” So, He knows He’s a child of God – in fact, God’s Son!
Incidentally, gratitude is so normal for Jesus – it literally flows out of Him in His prayer even before He carries out God’s purpose.
And finally, Jesus has full confidence in His Father’s answer and interaction in His current situation. So –
Keep in mind – the next thing Jesus intends to do is raise Lazarus from the dead!
Jesus acknowledges and worships God. He “looks up” to God as a statement of reverence. His relationship as Son (child of God) to His Father is tender and deep. He is absolutely sure of the bond between them, so – no fear. The gratitude Jesus naturally overflows with is an example to others. There is no doubting His full confidence Father will always do what is best.
So what does this mean for you? Jesus’ response in this tiny verse forms standards to adopt as you approach God.
Here are some “take-aways” to apply in practical ways in your life:
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Visit our website for resources to get into God’s Word and live an Alive and Active Life.
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