A Note for Travelling

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

- Deuteronomy 31:6

"Here Be Dragons"

There is a myth* that ancient map-makers would put an elaborate picture of a dragon and the label "Here Be Dragons" on uncharted areas of ancient maps. (I personally sometimes use that phrase to address topics I think are better left alone.) This map label is an interesting response to a case where someone found the problem of limited information. We encounter this same problem when we study God's Word.

There are many areas in Scripture where there isn't sufficient information to fully discern particular aspects of reality or God's plans for the future. Like the old map-makers, ("cartographers" for the tediously precise,) in these cases we have two options:

Speculate Upon (Make Up) the Unknown Details.
How many cases do we see people defending doctrines and scriptural speculations, (often, figuratively, "to the death") on questions where the Bible does not forthrightly provide information. (Example: Anyone want to argue pre-trib, mid-trib, post-trib, or amillenialism?)

Just Admit that You Don't Know. (Post Dragon Warnings!)
By admitting that we don't know we are spared the tedious discussions and arguments as answers are inferred for areas of interest. We can just move on to acting on the information that is given plainly.

It's interesting to note that the Bible doesn't leave any gaps in the information when it comes to the topic of what we are to be doing and how we are to be living. (A message there, perhaps?) Aren't problems usually found because people are not acting on the directions that have been given, rather that bad acts caused by incomplete instructions?

Yes, we can also always benefit from examination of Scripture. Theologiocal speculations have a place, sometimes an important place, but that place is after obedience to our Lord's commands.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

- 2 Timothy 3:16-17

May I suggest that a key word here is "work", not "talk". Too often speculations on obscure areas of theology take a higher priority than following the plain instructions we've been given for how to live as followers of Christ.

For further information: Consult Your Father.

* _{To learn more about this myth, "Google" the phrase "Here be Dragons on old maps". The results are interesting if you like such things.}

Philippians

On the advice of a very dear friend, I started a study of the book of Philippians a couple of weeks ago. I’ve spent most of my most devoted study in the Old Testament and I have always found many of the writings of Paul somewhat inaccessible. I’ve never been that bothered because the gospel is so wonderfully presented in the Old Testament. I have naturally gravitated toward that area and to those epistles that are structured similarly to the Old Testament context.

But I picked up a McGee commentary on Philippians and hove to. The book has opened up like a flower, praise God! What a wonderful letter! Thank you Father!