Required reading
Mystery of Providence by John Flavel (available from - Chapter 8 and Chapter 9 begun (all of first section about 'Labour to get as full and thorough recognition...').
My notes and thoughts
Chapter 8 gives us seven reasons why it is the duty of Christians to meditate upon the providence of God. I must say I like the third one: 'And for this end and purpose it is that the Holy Ghost has affixed notes of attention such as "behold" to the narratives of the works of providence in Scripture'. As someone raised on the NIV, it wasn't until I started reading the Bible in Greek and Hebrew that I noticed how often the words hinne (Hebrew - in English translations usually translated 'behold') and idou (Greek - in English translations usually translated 'behold') show up and were often skipped in the NIV translation. I like the word 'behold' and wish it was more often in the NIV (only 6 times in NIV compared with 1,102 times in ESV!!), particularly when we consider Flavel's point that each time we see 'behold' we are very likely being told to meditate on the providence of God.
My notes and thoughts
Chapter 8 gives us seven reasons why it is the duty of Christians to meditate upon the providence of God. I must say I like the third one: 'And for this end and purpose it is that the Holy Ghost has affixed notes of attention such as "behold" to the narratives of the works of providence in Scripture'. As someone raised on the NIV, it wasn't until I started reading the Bible in Greek and Hebrew that I noticed how often the words hinne (Hebrew - in English translations usually translated 'behold') and idou (Greek - in English translations usually translated 'behold') show up and were often skipped in the NIV translation. I like the word 'behold' and wish it was more often in the NIV (only 6 times in NIV compared with 1,102 times in ESV!!), particularly when we consider Flavel's point that each time we see 'behold' we are very likely being told to meditate on the providence of God.
Chapter 9 instructs us 'how' to meditate on providence. Today's reading is only one point, recognise the providences in your own life: 'Ah, sirs, let me tell you, there is not such a pleasant history for you to read in all the world as the history of your own lives, if you would but sit down and record from the beginning hitherto what God has been to you and done for you; what signal manifestations and outhbreakings of His mercy, faithfulness and love there have been in all the conditions you have passed through.' Yes, I must admit, I do not do this often enough!
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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