Pay Attention To Details

Monday, August 1, 2011

Reading: Mark 12:35-37

Reflection: We have here one of the few places where Jesus himself interprets scripture for us. From what He says, it seems that attention to detail matters. Jesus' interpretation of Psalm 110:1 hinges on keeping the two "Lords" in their correct position. The first LORD is Yahweh, the God of Israel who made Himself known to Moses by that name. The second Lord is a reference to Jesus who is now making Himself known to His people. Because of the way this Psalm is worded, Jesus insists that the coming Messiah is not just a man. He is not simply a son...or one could say ancestor...of David. He is, in fact, Lord of David and one would assume Lord of men. It could be easy to overlook this little detail, but apparently they matter. To miss this "small" detail, is to miss the "larger" picture. So, as I read scripture, it is important for me to not overlook the details. I need to read carefully, slowly and with focus the words God has given to me. In doing so, I may discover the depths of God's great wisdom, the wonder of God's great Savior, and the glory of the hope that God has given to us all.