Full pantry, full closet*

There’s something delightful about have a closet full of clean clothes. It’s a small pleasure, I know, but a pleasure none the less to have one’s favorite jeans/shirts/sweaters/skirts clean and ready to be worn. I’ve been doing laundry for a bit now, washing out the smell of camp accomodations from the clothes I packed, and it’s almost done.

I find a similar joy in choosing a meal right after a grocery shopping trip.  Fresh fruits and veggies, good bread, and more are ready to be enjoyed.  I can bake with all the necessary ingredients, try a new recipe, or stick with an old favorite.

This morning I read the following statement from Jesus, and it reminded me of those full feelings that I like.

And Jesus said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a head of a household, who brings out of his treasure things new and old.”

-Matthew 13:52

The scribes were the people who knew the scripture in Jesus’ day.  Their authority was based on their knowledge of the law and prophets, and they taught others how to follow the law.  Jesus’ fulfillment of the law was outside of their boxes, and yet Jesus used them in this statement.

When the revelation of God in the Old Testament (Yahweh) and the revelation of God in the New Testament (Jesus) are combined, we can walk in scriptural abundance, enjoying both fresh fruit and well-aged cheese.  We can wear well-worn jeans with a new shirt; we can understand a bit more of the depth of God’s character in various expressions and actions.  To do so, however, we must approach God’s Word with a heart of humility as well as a mind to study.  All the head knowledge in the world with an attitude of pride and indifference to the life-changing power of God is useless.

Oh, to know and walk in His ways!

* Yes, I do understand that I am in the minority as someone who has ample access to the amount of clothes (albeit many from Goodwill!) and food that I do.  I also understand that there are many people around the world who lack access to God’s Word in their heart language or only language.

Explore posts in the same categories: delight, life, reading

Tags: Gospel, Jesus, spiritual formation

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