Scripture
Our verse for today comes from John 17:12, “While I was with them, I kept them in Your name, which You have given Me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.”
Background
When I was much younger, I remember hearing mention of the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. Chances are, that endorsement had an effect on your life, too, whether you realized it or not. Most likely, your mom, and hers as well, made decisions for your family based on that seal of approval. Almost a hundred years ago, the Good Housekeeping magazine was started. Shortly thereafter, the Good Housekeeping Institute was created, to test and recommend products that proved reliable, trustworthy, and of good quality. And when the Institute approved of an item, it would receive the GH Seal of Approval. Hundreds of cleansers, appliances, beauty aids, food and much more earned the coveted seal, and mothers and grandmothers for decades have heeded the recommendations when making their purchases. But showing that nothing is perfect, I saw today a review where GH said a food storage container was “super airtight – but you may want to double- bag them to avoid leaking.” We know from experience that no product is going to last forever. Nor is there anything that could not be improved upon in some way or another.
Application
But not so where the Scripture is concerned. Isn’t it interesting that Jesus called twelve followers, but chose to save only eleven? Why was that necessary? There were any number of outsiders who could have brought Him to His ultimate destiny. The region was swarming with influential men who could have orchestrated His demise without insider help. And, wouldn’t Jesus prefer His ministry not be scandalized right from the start by a traitor? But all that took a back seat to the sacredness of God’s Word. If there has ever been something that could receive the ultimate seal of approval, it is the Holy Scriptures as they were fulfilled through Jesus. Not even the worth of a disciple’s soul could cause Jesus to undo what was written. Jesus memorized it, quoted it, obeyed it, and ultimately fulfilled it. That sort of approval ought to be all we need.
Charge
As we seek Him today, let God’s Word make the recommendations for all of your decisions.
Rich Holt / Originally Published on : BCWorldview.org
Also published on : Medium.com.
