WRITTEN FOR US

“For whatever things were written before were written for our instruction, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” (Rom 15:4)

Here St. Paul states the obvious about the Scriptures: that they were written for us. That is, for us actually to read them, and to be instructed and comforted by them. And that we might have hope; the hope of His Kingdom. They are not written as some kind of legal or political system, to be imposed as the plan for an earthly kingdom.

Today I remind myself of the gifts I receive through a daily reading of Scripture, even if it’s just a little bit: instruction, patience, comfort, and hope. And I thank God today, from the bottom of my heart, that He did not leave me without instruction, without consolation, or without hope, in this world. He accompanies me with His Word, reminding me daily that I am not alone.

(I'm reflecting on this passage today, because it's from the Epistle that will be read this Sunday in my church.)