The Bonus of a Biblical Relationship
When you consider the word “bonus” what comes to your mind? In a positive context, perhaps your smile is on display due to the feeling of excitement in anticipation of an unexpected reward. Perhaps you have thoughts of gratitude as you consider receiving some extra cash, a gift or being paid over and above what is due.
With the good Lord’s help I want to share with you the bonus of a Biblical relationship. We will pay specific attention to our attitude towards the Bible and its rightful place of authority and its ministry in our lives. In addition, I would like to call to your attention to the blessings, benefits and bonus that are given to us when we enjoy a biblical relationship with Jesus Christ.
Reading the scriptures bountifully blesses the reader. The Apostle John tells us in the book of Revelation that a person who reads, hears and obeys the Scriptures will be blessed. (Revelation is a book in the Scriptures so it is implicit that all Scriptures in the Bible are a blessing to those that read the Bible and do what it says.)
“Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.” Proverbs 8:32 (KJV)
“And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.’ But he said, ‘Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.’” Luke 11:27-28 (KJV)
“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Revelation 1:3 (KJV)
Now when we apply the word “Biblical” to any relationship it communicates that all relationships should be exercised, established and governed by biblical standards. We should see our world through the son-shine lenses of Scripture and not the sinful shades of the world. Now our opening text turns our thoughts to what must be true in all relationships and that is: there must be love in it! The writer echoes what is quite evident. Again, he is in love! “Oh, how I love Thy law!”
You and I can daily declare that we are in love but the evidence is in our behavior or actions because actions speak louder than words. The writer is in love due to his profound and persistent preoccupation with the Law (Scripture) of God. I find this striking because this guy is gripped by the gravity of goodness and grace of the Word of God. Whatever dominates our mind dominates and drives the soul. Now process this: What is the bonus of being in love with God’s word and thinking about it consistently? Secure salvation, walking in wisdom, washing away worry. Our assurance is absolute. We are liberated from lies, rescued from rebellion, personalize profound peace, transcend in truth, dominate the devil, cancel out confusion, are cemented in courage, fixed in faith, find favor with the Father, sound in our significance, handle things in humility, are carried by compassion, a Conqueror in Christ, and lead in love .
Oh deeply loved by God, this list of bonuses for having a biblical relationship are extremely far from being exhaustive because the Word is eternal so the bonuses are also eternal. What a blessed bonus package! We don’t even have to wait for Christmas or work for the bonus. We can received them every day of our lives when we love the spoken and written Word and ultimately the Living Word that is word incarnate, Jesus Christ! Are you ready to receive your bonus package?
For the Glory of God,
PBKSR