JESUS SPEAKING
Then He said to them, “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” (Matthew 13: 52.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
The bible consists of two parts; the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament contains prophecies, inspired writings, and recorded historical events dating from approximately 4004 B.C. to around 440 B.C. God then chose to remain silent for 450 years, until around 15-30 A.D., when John the Baptist began preaching in the wilderness; announcing the near arrival of the messiah; Jesus Christ. Jesus soon appeared on the scene, completing God’s message and laying the foundation for the New Testament (the gospels, the book of acts, the apostles’ letters, and the book of revelation.) Jesus often quoted from the Old Testament, but He also added to it. In turn, any scribe that understood the message would combine the Old Testament and Christ’s words into one complete revelation from God.
Many years ago while I was browsing at a local swap meet, I made an interesting observation. Some merchants were selling antiques; which were highly valued because they were old. Still others were selling items that were completely new; it was their newness that gave them their value. Things that are neither old nor new are often extremely cheap; like VHS videos for example; which aren’t new but are not yet old enough to be valuable. These wise retailers, like the householder Jesus was speaking about in this parable, got the most money for what they were selling because they sold items that were both old and new. Similarly, God’s truth is not complete unless both the New and the Old Testament are combined as one. The Holy Bible cannot be divided, altered, or added too in any way; it is a complete work.
The Bible is filled with valuable treasures; gems of truth and nuggets of pure wisdom. Jesus did not come to discard the Old Testament, but to combine the old and the new into a single masterpiece; a priceless correspondence between God and man. The world is filled with books, written by individuals who are inspired by their own desires; and yet there is only one book that God Himself has written. The Bible is a treasure chest that begs to be opened; within it’s pages you will discover all of the answers you have ever desired to know. Open it and experience the fullness of the one true and living God.
“Lord Heavenly Father, as we read Your Word, please give us a desire to dig deeper; to search for new insights and new truths. Guide us as we read and speak to our hearts; make Your plan for us clear in our minds and in our hearts. We yearn to know the full, complete goodness of Your book; and in turn, the complete knowledge of your affections for us. We love You Lord, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.” God bless all of you!
Jesus Speaks 