John 5:39-40
“The Message – You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you’ll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me! And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren’t willing to receive from me the life you say you want.”
“You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life.”
Peterson’s Message puts this in present day context. What a warning! It cautions us to beware immersion in the ‘Christian life,’ allowing it to obscure our sight. Jesus could be immediately present and yet missed by eyes jaded by procedure and custom. Christian culture can be an idol, preferred over the Savior we profess to serve. Religion does not equate to the walk of faith.
Lord, this verse makes my heart quake, thinking you could be so close to me and so overlooked. Keep me wanting you, seeing you above all else. May Christian custom ever be the viewfinder and you the view.