We all have our favorite comfort food, something from our past that reminds us of better and earlier times. For me, it is taro chips. Each time I eat one, I am transported to my childhood in Hawaii. Delicious memories!
What about a comfort movie? There are some movies which I have viewed dozens of times and essentially have the dialogue memorized. “When Harry Met Sally.” “The Shawshank Redemption.” “Top Gun.” Like food, everyone has their comfort movie.
What about a comfort Bible verse? Are there verses that one can always turn to and be reassured of God’s comfort and presence in our lives? One brother in the Lord shared his comfort verses with me.
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21 (NKJV)
My comfort verses are found in Romans, the great verse that confirms the assurance of our salvation.
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39 (NKJV)
Many comfort verses, like the ones quoted above, are familiar to Christians. Thus, I was intrigued to learn of the favorite verse of the great theologian and preacher R.C. Sproul. He wrote that his favorite Bible verse was found in Genesis. I have read many of Dr. Sproul’s books and was curious to discover which was his comfort verse. It was not what I expected!
And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces.
Genesis 15:17-18 (NKJV)
Dr. Sproul explained that God made a covenant contract with Abraham. The Hebrew word for covenant is derived from the word that means to cut. Thus, a covenant represented the ancient tradition of cutting or dividing an animal as the two parties passed between them. This action symbolized that either party should be torn apart like this animal if they fail to uphold their part of the covenant. With Abraham after he cut the animals and placed them on the altar, God, Himself, moved between the cut animal pieces. He was the only one guaranteeing the covenant. Dr. Sproul further expounded on why this verse made such an impact upon him. “He would cease to BE GOD if He did not fulfill His part of the covenant! He puts His deity on the line! What certainty! He vowed by His own nature! When I doubt, I want to read this passage. Abraham does not walk the gauntlet, it is all one-sided!”
Now THAT, is a comfort Bible verse!
Amen!
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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