“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” – Rom 15:4 (ESV)
Paul makes a claim that should revolutionize how we read the Old Testament: it was written for us. Every story, every Psalm, every prophecy was given not merely for its original audience but for the instruction of every generation that follows. The suffering of Joseph, the waiting of Abraham, the laments of David, the hope of Isaiah — all of it was written so that we, encountering the same God in our own generation, would find endurance and encouragement. The Scriptures produce hope — not by promising easy circumstances but by demonstrating across thousands of years that God is faithful to those who trust Him. Reading the Old Testament is not archaeology; it is receiving instruction from our Father.
Reflection:
Do you read the Old Testament with the awareness that it was written for your instruction?
What Old Testament story or figure has most recently given you endurance or encouragement for your present situation?
Prayer:
Father, open the Old Testament to me as instruction written for me — not just for ancient Israel. Let the endurance and encouragement of every page produce in me a hope grounded in Your demonstrated, centuries-long faithfulness. Amen.
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