One of the tools that help me understand Scripture is repetition. It was the Hebrew writer’s style to convey and emphasize importance. Interestingly, 1 John, Chapters 1 and 2, mentions “writing” or “write” twelve times. What benefits are there in writing? One, writing is a reminder;1 two, it is a deterrent;2 three, it is an assurance;3 four, it clarifies;4 five, it instructs;5 six, it redirects;6 seven, it encourages;7 eight, it builds up;8 nine, it strengthens;9 ten, it states truth;10 and eleven, it equips.11
I tend to forget easily unless I am constantly reminded. By repetition I remember better. To the Jews, God instructed parents to teach their children diligently, use memory pegs, even write his commands on their doorposts and gates.12 It is for a reason that the Jews by tradition would set up memorial stones13 with every encounter they had with God. And the stone would be a constant reminder even to their next of kin.
Life happens and has a way of tempting me to throw away my joy. The Psalter writes, You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forever more.14
There is nothing new under the sun. The first couple decided they could be without God.15 Their sons hated each other to the point that Cain killed his brother Abel.16 The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart.17 Lot was enticed by the lust of the eye and the lust of the flesh and chose Sodom.18 Jacob was a cheater.19 The 12 sons of Jacob from whom the 12 tribes of Israel is traced was dysfunctional.20 Moses lacked confidence.21 Israel demanded a king.22 David lusted after Bathsheba.23 Solomon the wisest of all started strong and ended regretful that he failed to remember his Creator.24 The bible is replete with stories of the frailty of man.
But every time I look up, in awe I say, “what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?”25
My prayer for all is that we look back with gratitude; look up and thrive in the moment, and look forward in hope.
Notes:
1. 1 John 1:4
2. 1 John 2:1
3. 1 John 2:7
4. 1 John 2:8
5. 1 John 2:12
6. 1 John 2:13a
7. 1 John 2:13b
8. 1 John 2:13c, 14a
9. John 2:14b
10. 1 John 2:21
11. 1 John 2:26
12. Deuteronomy 6:1-9
13. Genesis 28:10-22
14. Psalm 16:11
15. Genesis 3:20-24
16. Genesis 4:8
17. Genesis 6:5-6
18. Genesis 13:10-13
19. Genesis 25:26
20. Genesis 37-50
21. Exodus 4:1-17
22. 1 Samuel 8:4-5
23. 2 Samuel 11:1-27
24. Ecclesiastes 1-12
25. Psalm 8:3-4
Short and concise. Nice read.