The Magic 8 Ball

 

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:14-17 ESV).

I’ve often been asked what is the most effective way to be smarter about life? I certainly don’t claim to be an “expert” in life; nor do I claim any measure of great wisdom. I do know how to get it though. Perhaps you have heard the story about the person who sought the Lord’s guidance in a superstitious way. He laid the spine of his Bible on a table, glanced up to heaven, closed his eyes, and let the Bible fall open. Then, with his eyes closed, he stabbed his finger down on a verse. He opened his eyes and read, “He went into a cave and spent the night” (1 Kings 19:9). Then he repeated the process, and his finger fell on the text “Go, and do likewise” (Luke 10:37). Now a bit confused, he tried this method a third time and read, “What you are about to do, do quickly” (John 13:27).

 

This fictitious person wanted to seek God’s guidance, but he got things a little twisted. Somehow he came to think of the Scripture as a Magic 8 Ball. You know the reference. It is that black ball that was said to have magical powers of deduction. You ask it a question and shake it, then turn it to the window and read your answer. By the way, it may be of interest to know there are ten positive answers (It is certain; Without a doubt; You may rely on it; Yes definitely; It is decidedly so; As I see it, yes; Most likely; Yes; Outlook good; and Signs point to yes). There are also five neutral answers (Reply hazy try again; Better not tell you now; Ask again later; Cannot predict now; and Concentrate and ask again). And, of course, there are five negative answers (Don’t count on it; Outlook not so good; My sources say no; Very doubtful; My reply is no).

 

There is a better way. Our reading gives us some insight. The Scripture is not to be understood in isolation, at random, or in fragments, but within the context of the stories in which they are found. And difficult passages are to be understood in the light of more foundational passages. Interpreting the Bible is not a matter of magic. Since all the books of the Bible are inspired by one Author, the Spirit of God, it is not a hodgepodge of contradictory, crazy teachings. If we patiently learn from the Bible, it will make us wise for salvation and train us for a life of serving the Lord. In the coming days we’ll be looking at some of these passages for greater wisdom in our daily lives.