A SEARCH FOR THE TOP TEN

A SEARCH FOR THE TOP TEN

READ:
Psalm 119:97-104

Oh, how I love Your law!
It is my meditation all the
day.  -Psalm 119:97

BibleGateway, an online Bible resource, looked at the viewing habits of some of their 8 million monthly visitors.  They found that John 3:16 was the most-searched-for verse in 2010.

I don't think it's surprising that it would be number one on the list.  It tells us that God loved us so much that He sent His Son to rescue us from our sin and give us everlasting life.  Number 10 on the list is Jesus' commission to His followers to spread that good news:  "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations: (Matthew 28:19).  Also in the top 10 are Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28 about God's good plans and purposes for His people.

The Scriptures are filled with truths to search out and share.  In Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, the psalmist shared his thoughts about the Word and his desire to search it and be taught by God.  He said, "Oh, how I love Your law!" (v.97).  Our Bible reading for today shows some of the psalmist's reasons for loving it:  It gives him wisdom and understanding, it restrains his feet from evil, and it is sweet.  Therefore, it's his meditation "all the day."

Let's keep taking the time to read the Bible.  The more we search the Word, the more we'll grow in our love for it and its Author (v.97). -Anne Cetas

Search the Scriptures' precious store-
As a miner digs for ore;
Search, and you will surely find
Treasures to enrich the mind. -Anon.
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The more you read the Bible,
the more you'll love its Author.

INSIGHT
Psalm 119 is an acrostic poem in praise of God's Word.  This lengthy psalm exults in appreciation for the law of God which takes many different forms.  These forms include:  law-Moses' writings, commands-directives issued by God; decrees-"things inscribed" and thus established in law; judgments-a binding judicial decision that establishes a precedent; precepts-found only in poetry and a synonym for edict; statues-God's standards for human behavior,; word-a revelation often used of the Ten Commandments; saying-a poetic word used for "saying"; way and path-metaphor for lifestyle, the way believers are to live.

-Adapted from Bible Reader's Companion by Lawrence O. Richards