The purpose of this blog is to encourage fellow Christians, with short devotions and thoughts from the Scriptures.

Monday, 13 May 2013

Things new and old


Matthew 13:52, Then He [Jesus] said to them, 'therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasures things new and old."

Let's picture the householder. He has treasures that he has had for a long time. They hold fond memories for him and have sentimental as well as intrinsic value to this householder. In his older treasures there could be family heirlooms or items he has purchased in days gone by. They form part of the fabric of his daily life.

He also has new treasures, things he has acquired recently which give him satisfaction and also have an intrinsic value to him. From the context of verse 52 we get a distinct impression that the householder delights to show his visitors some of his newer treasures and some of his older treasures. He shows them things that are valuable to him; and he hopes his visitors will appreciate them also.

Verse 52 also mentions "...every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven." A scribe was skillful in writing and reading and was officially recognised as one who could write official documents. Scribes were also employed as clerks. A scribe could also be employed to write letters on behalf of people who were illiterate. In Israel due to his ability to read and write the scribe was often able to expound the Scriptures for the benefit of others.

How does this verse apply in a practical sense to you and me?

As true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ we have the treasures of the Scriptures. We have countless treasures in the word of God to dig up and display. If we value them highly, then we will want to share our appreciation of them to others. The Holy Bible is divided into the Old Testament and the New Testament; "things new and old."

It has been my experience over a long time to see how the New Testament Scriptures explain and enhance many of the Old Testament Scriptures. Conversely, without the Old Testament Scriptures we could not understand many of the Scriptures in the New Testament.

2 Timothy 3:16, 17, "(16) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, (17) that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

1 Corinthians 10:11, "Now all these things happened to them [the Israelites] as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the end of the ages have come."

Psalms 119:103, "How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

When you read and search the Scriptures you have "things new and old" to bring out of your treasures. There are always new treasures to discover.

Jon Peasey
Words of Life blog www.jrpeasey.blogspot.com

[All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James version; unless otherwise noted. Word enclosed in [ ] are inserted for clarity. Words in bold type emphasise a point]

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