July 18, 2005

Resolved

2 Timothy 3:14-17

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105

— 

Jonathan Edwards is well known for a set of "Resolutions," 70 in all, that he wrote when he was just 19 and 20 years old. They are goals he set for himself and labored to live by. Even at such a young age he was a person of intense discipline; thoughtfully and purposefully he strived to shape his character and behavior after biblical teachings and practices. He left very little to chance, understanding that no sinner accidentally follows the will and ways of the Lord.

 

Resolution 30 states, "Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before." An important practice for keeping this resolution was his persistent study of Scripture. Edwards once took apart a Bible, page by page, inserted blank pages between them, and sewed it back together by hand so that he could note observations and applications of all he read in God's Word.

 

Resolution 28 says, "Resolved, to study the Scriptures so constantly and frequently, as that I may plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same."

 

Edwards added, "The scriptures are able to give to the saints spiritual and supernatural understanding of divine things. From this knowledge of divine things, all true gracious affections proceed."

 

"How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth," O Lord. "My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end." In Jesus' name, Amen.

About the author — Charles Geschiere

Rev. Charles Geschiere has been a pastor in the Christian Reformed Church for over 30 years. During that time, he has served churches in Illinois, Virginia, and Michigan. Currently, he is ministering to Vienna Presbyterian Church, where he has served since 2012.

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