Enthusiasm (En Theos) – Part 4.

“I am eager to learn all that you want me to do; help me to understand more and more.” Psalms 119:32-34. (CEV).

Socrates said, “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.”

The author of Psalm 119 is unknown. However, many of the opinion that David, Ezra, or Daniel wrote it. The main theme of Psalm 119 is the excitement to learn, study, and practice the word of God. Ezra was a man who set his heart to study, practice, and teaches the Torah, which contains the first five books of the Bible. (Ezra 7:10). Being the priest who devoted himself to study, practice, and teach, it makes sense to a conclusion that Ezra wrote it, although we are not sure. The primary meaning of ‘Torah’ is ‘teaching’ or ‘instruction.’ Due to God’s love toward human beings, He has given us a body of teaching and laws so that we can safely live here on his earth. The whole of the Bible (the scripture) is God-breathed. (2nd Timothy 3:16).

Our today’s insights say, “I am eager to learn all that you want me to do; help me to understand more and more.” The passion and enthusiasm of the author. He is eager to learn all that God wants him to do. He wants to understand more and more of His word. The author magnifies the dire necessity of God’s word in our lives. He uses different words for God’s word. They are the law (Torah), Testimony, Precepts, Statute, Commandment, Judgment, and Word.

The background of our today’s insight is fascinating. He is eager to learn all God wants him to do and understand more and more of God’s word amid all the difficult circumstances of his life. He describes sneering of people (22,51), insult (22,39,42), plots against him (23), point of death (25), troubles (26,153), sorrow (28), deceits (29), hurt (50), trap (61), reputation ruined by liars (69), misery (92), weariness (123) and brutal enemies (157). It appears to be a paradox. When many depart from the creator God when faced with unpleasant experiences in life, our author wants to learn all the more about God and His word.

There are several reasons why he wants to learn more about God’s truth. Verse 89 says, “Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.” NASB. You see human teachings and opinions change over time. But not God’s word in the Bible. It lasts forever and ever. The truth of the word of God does not change over time. It is settled in heaven forever. Verse 151-152 says, “But you are near, O LORD, and all your commands are true. I have known from my earliest days that your laws will last forever.” NLT. Do you put your trust in human opinions/teachings or God’s word that is always true and will never be altered or changed?

You see, the truth of the word of God in the Bible and its eternal nature carries with it the idea of stability amid an ever-changing people and world. (Isaiah 40:6-8 and 1 Peter 1:24-25). God is behind all his words and promises. Keep this in mind when you read the Bible. The author says, “thy word is sweeter than honey to my mouth.” (103). NASB. “Thy word is a lamp to my feet and light to my path.” (105) NASB. “Thy word is pure” (140) NASB. “I rejoice at thy word.” (161). “The law of thy mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.” (72).

Moreover, he asks “how can a young man keep his way pure?” And answers –“By keeping it according to Thy word.” (119:9). Without knowing and understanding the word of God, the Bible, how can a man keep his ways pure in today’s evil culture? How do you see the distinction between right and wrong?

Apostle Paul testified his eagerness and passion for knowing the Lord Jesus Christ in Philippians 3:7-10. He says there is surpassing value in knowing Jesus Christ. To gain Christ, he considered all the good things in his life as rubbish. His passion was to know the Son of God, Jesus Christ intimately and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.

Enthusiasm to learn all that God wants you to do and increase the understanding of His word and Him is the most worthy one. It is a high calling.

Knowing the Bible and Christ Jesus kindles the flame of love, grace, mercy and compassion, and many more fruits inside you. A world full of wickedness and evil as we see it today, thirst for these fruits.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, I am eager and enthusiastic to learn all that you want me to do. Please help me to understand more and more about you and your word- the Bible. I know you sent your only begotten Son to this earth to die in my place for all of my sins and shortcomings.  I know I can get forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life by accepting Jesus as my savior and Lord. I turn away from my sinful lifestyle and invite Jesus into my heart. Now, help me to know more about you and your wonderful word. In the name of Jesus Christ, I  pray. Amen.”