You’re probably familiar with the phrase, reading between the lines. It means, not only reading what you see, but what might be hinted at. Something like: “Dear Juan, you’ve been such a great guy. I doubt there’s anyone else like you out there; you’re funny, you’re sweet, and I don’t know what I’d do without you, but I’m starting to imagine.” Hint, hint, hint. Or…
Dear Dad, I would really love to have a CAR! I’d like to drive to the CARnival! It would be nice to be part of a CARavan! Between fixing and selling CARburetors, doing some CARpooling can keep costs down.
Love, CARoline
Dear Daughter.
NOthing new around here! It’s been NOtoriously quiet these days. A bit abNOrmal for this time of year. Please take care and kNOw that you are loved.
Dad,
NOrberto
Reading between the lines helps! It also helps us understand various everyday activities. But there are people who don’t know how to read-maybe it’s not their fault; my concern is for those that do know, but don’t want to bother. Lots of people want to rely on others to read for them. They don’t want to go through the trouble of reading for themselves. That’s how people get deceived-they believe the lies and deceptions of others. Plus, scriptural errors go undetected leading people astray.
Jesus faced the same issues. The religious leaders of His day studied the scriptures, but there were prophesies written between-the-lines that they missed. They didn’t read about the coming King, they only read about a conquering one. Delivering them from Rome’s tyrannical rule, would not have delivered them from the inner ruler: sin. Jesus came to free us from sin’s dominion over us.
They didn’t read about a dying servant-laying down His life for them and the world. They only read about being God’s chosen ones. They waited and waited and are still waiting for the Deliverer who already arrived, was not only rejected, but was “Wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). In short, they missed Him-completely. Even when He continually hinted at Who He was, they refused to review the scriptures to see if they were wrong. Jesus admonished them saying: “Search the scriptures: for in them you think you have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39).
So, what about you? Are you reading the scriptures? Are you asking the Holy Spirit to enlighten your understanding? Read between-the-lines because He’s there. One of those hidden truths is “I and my Father are One” (John 10:30). “If you declare with your mouth, Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Matthew 10:32).
Important truths. Why?? Because cults and sects deny them. All who deny that Jesus is Lord and that He is God incarnate, are false. There are millions worldwide teaching/preaching how wonderful Jesus was but denying that He’s God’s Son. Denying He died (ONCE) for our sins. READ!
God Bless,
Sam