Jesus said to him, "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6

When some people read the Bible they say, "It's too hard for me to understand. I don't get it."

In truth, I do believe them.

I'm not afraid to admit there are passages in the Bible difficult for even the most learned scholars to figure out. I wouldn't hesitate to confess the Holy Scriptures contain some texts we will never fully comprehend until we have left this world and gone to the next.

Having made that admission and confession, I would also say the vast majority of the Bible is simple and straightforward and easy to understand.

For example, look at the passage that serves as our text for today's devotion: Jesus said He was the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. He didn't say he was a way, a truth, or a life. He didn't imply He was one of many ways. Jesus claimed to be the only Way, the only Truth, and the only Life.

That's pretty easy to understand, isn't it? I thought so, too. Sadly, a poll of the Presbyterian Church USA says that 36 percent of those members would disagree with this claim of Christ.

That's right, 36 percent disagreed or even strongly disagreed with the statement, "Only followers of Jesus Christ can be saved."

As near as I can tell those opinions aren't based on not being able to understand the Bible; they come from disagreeing with what Scripture says.

I'm not entirely surprised. St. Paul said this would happen. "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

And what should we do when such time comes? St. Paul tells us that, too: "Preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort with complete patience and teaching" (2 Timothy 4:2).

That's pretty easy to understand! When people wander from the Bible, our job is to share the Savior's story of salvation. Understand?

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, for speaking to me in words I can understand, my thanks. May others also be brought to see the wonders of Your love which can reach out to the leper, the prostitute, the vain, the murderer, to me. For a Savior whose love can be appreciated by a sinner, my praise. For the opportunity to witness the faith You have given, my gratitude. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Leviticus 15-16    Mark 8:22-38

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