The Key to Everything
The Internet is flooded with advertisements, promotions and infomercials offering people the “key” to just about everything. Is it health and wellness? The secret is easy: it’s greens, or it’s reds, or it’s Keto, or it’s this fitness plan. What about if you need to get your financial house in order? There are YouTube videos and individuals galore who promise to hold the “key” to your financial security and future, if you follow their plan. All you have to do is enroll in this class or institution, or the myriad of on-line courses and guides available and attractively packaged. For the record, this is not a wholesale denunciation of all of these. It’s just to point out how people need and are looking for keys in life.
“ For the record, this is not a wholesale denunciation of all of these. It’s just to point out how people need and are looking for keys in life.”
So, what if there was a legitimate master key that would unlock one of the most precious treasures of them all, the Bible or the scriptures? Yes, that’s right, that old dusty book that is one of the most valuable treasures a person can have. Paul reminded his son in the faith Timothy of this fact, “There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.” (2Tim.3:16) OK, where can I get this key?
One way is by eavesdropping on a conversation that Jesus had with two men walking the 7-mile route from Jerusalem to the village Emmaus. These men were defeated, discouraged, and feeling hopeless. For them Jesus of Nazareth, who they had hoped would redeem Israel, has been executed by the religious leaders and the Romans. They were facing an uncertain future. This so occupied their minds that when the risen Jesus came alongside and walked with them, their eyes were unable to recognize Him.
He quickly diagnosed their condition by saying “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken. Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” (Lk.24:25,26) He had to begin the process of reconstructing their understanding how the Messiah would actually free people from their sins and bondage. The Jews could not conceive a crucified Savior, which is a picture of ultimate weakness. Yet that was actually the very thing that was “necessary” to bringing the gift of salvation and power to people, both Jew and Gentile.
Then He proceeded to give one of the greatest Bible studies in all history. Oh, how I wish I could have been there. “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself.” Two things are crucial here. Yes, we are exceedingly blessed to have the New Testament revelation of God. But, that does not negate or make the Old Testament irrelevant. Jesus went through the Old Testament (that’s all they had at the time) and showed them all that the scripture said about him.
“Here’s the point you can’t miss. If you want to understand the Scriptures, then the master key is JESUS HIMSELF. ”
Here’s the point you can’t miss. If you want to understand the Scriptures, then the master key is JESUS HIMSELF. The Bible is not just a religious textbook, it is a revelation of God Himself. The key to the whole Bible is Jesus. He is found in all 66 books. By looking to Him and trusting Him you possess the master key to the Bible’s message and purpose.
Just a sampling. In Genesis, He is the seed of the woman. In Exodus, He is the Passover Lamb. In Deuteronomy, He is the Prophet like unto Moses. In Nehemiah, He is the Builder of our broken down lives. In Psalms, He is the Lord our Shepherd. In Isaiah, He is the Prince of Peace. In Jonah, He is the great foreign missionary. In Malachi, He is the Son of Righteousness with healing his wings. There is so much more! In Matthew, He is the Messiah that was promised. In Luke, He is the Son of Man. In John, He is the Word, the Son of God. In Romans, He is our Justifier. In Ephesians, He is the Christ with unsearchable riches. In Thessalonians, He is our soon coming King. In Philemon, He is the friend that sticks closer than a brother. In John, He is Love. In the Revelation, He is the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords.
We have just started to scratch the surface. If you want to be in possession of that master key, then I would suggest you responding to Jesus’ invitation, “COME UNTO ME.” When you do, get ready for life to take on a whole new meaning!