Vessels and Versions

Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent (John 17:3 NIV).

Facebook’s format changes sometimes surprise me, but I’m glad it’s an available tool for now. WordPress has been telling me my browser is out of date and now has made some change that won’t allow me to see my toolbars the same way. I’m using Internet Explorer 8; I checked expecting to see IE6 or something ridiculous, but it’s IE8, and I happened to learn yesterday at work that not all websites even support IE9 yet, however long it’s been out. Even with changed toolbars, I still get to post my appreciation for the Word, a hobby that brings me great joy. Like my photos on Facebook, I know I view my postings more than anyone else, but it still pleases me to share God’s goodness. I want the Lord to know I’m thankful, and I enjoy seeing how He blesses others.

John 17:3 carries a message that even different translations can’t complicate. I like looking at scriptures in various translations sometimes. I’m glad for those who loved the Word enough to prayerfully publish each work, but I know the translation is a vessel. The power of the Word is spiritual not linguistic. Jesus prays for His disciples: For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them (John 17:8). Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth (John 17:17). As I study scripture faithfully and consistently, the Holy Spirit works to change what doesn’t please God. Often I wish what doesn’t please me would take priority, but the Lord works from the inside out. Moses tells Israelites of the Lord’s covenant with them: “Moreover the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live (Deu 30:6). I might want better eating habits, but the Lord is more concerned that I pray without ceasing and daily put on the full armor of God.

Paul says in Ephesians: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against..the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil” (Eph 6:12). Lord, thank-you for your Word that works to change me from the inside out. Forgive me when my actions don’t reflect the fruits of your Spirit. Help me prevail against attitudes that don’t recognize your authority. “Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Your law..Your testimonies also are my delight; They are my counselors” (Psalm 119:18,24).

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent (John 17:3 KJV).

This is life that lasts forever. It is to know You, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ Whom You have sent (John 17:3 NLV).

And this is the life age-during, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and him whom Thou didst send — Jesus Christ (John 17:3 YLT).

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