SCRIPTURE
Ps 119:18 Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Thy law.
PRAYER
Father, we are wandering dumb sheep. Lead us to Your door, feed us and teach us. Forgive us and guide us to the truth. Protect us from temptation and show us Your glory, things that to us are truly wonderful. Amen!
LESSON
Sir Ernest Shackleton, the famous Antarctic explorer, placed what has become one of the world’s most famous advertisements in the Times of London in December 1901: “Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages. Bitter cold. Long months of complete darkness. Constant danger. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success.”
That is probably how we should describe Bible study! Men and women wanted for hazardous job. Convicting passages, challenging applications, inspiring life stories, uncompromising principles. Long periods of pure plodding boredom. Little recognition for wisdom thus gained. Constant pressure to do better. Accusations of being holier than thou if quoted. Safe returned absolutely guaranteed.
So, what is WONDERFUL? What is a wonderful thing? This is the Hebrew word pala’, which means to be marvelous, be wonderful, be surpassing, be extraordinary, separate by distinguishing action. Interestingly, it also carries the meaning, to be beyond one’s power, be difficult to do. So, it means, show me extraordinary things which are beyond my power. Take me on a journey of understanding that is beyond my normal understanding, show me something extraordinary and difficult. What a fantastic prayer to pray in approaching the word!
Application
Do you believe that such things exist, extraordinary and difficult things that are treasures and wonders to you? Do you long for them? Desire is the beginning of the journey. Your assignment today is to pray for God to show you something amazing and difficult from His word. Just pray. That’s all this verse is, a prayer.