[093]. A Message From A Poem – Foraging In The Depths Of Scripture

[093]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – FORAGING IN THE DEPTHS OF SCRIPTURE

This poem deals with getting into the heart of scripture. There are images and techniques and encouragement in these stanzas.

I actually make the comparison between a mudskipper that flits across the shallows on the water, and the eel that digs down into the mud.

Christians need to dig down into the bible in deep study. You must not let it for others to do. It is a personal thing. You do it yourself.

This is not just something a minister does or a bible study leader does – {{2 Timothy 2:15 “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.”}} It is for you to do! David’s whole life revolved around the word of God. Psalm 119 is the richest chapter for the value of God’s word to us. {{Psalm 119:27 “Make me understand the way of Your precepts so I will meditate on Your wonders.”}}

Too many will not put any effort into studying the bible. It might be good to have a quiet time but that is not serious digging into the bible to mine its excellent gold. There is buried treasure everywhere in the bible, but it won’t be handed to you on a place. You must study.

The Lord testifies of His inspired word – {{Hebrews 4:12 “THE WORD OF GOD is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”}}

{{2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”}}

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FORAGING IN THE DEPTHS OF SCRIPTURE

Let me not, O Lord, be as a mudskipper

That flips around the surface mud in glee.

It turns both ways; its goggle eyes observe

On the muddy water surface; it’s free.

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I want to be like the eel that digs deep.

Into the mud it drives to feel secure.

Its comfort is found immersed in the dark;

In silent depth where it will endure.

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When it comes to God’s word let us be eels,

And deeply dig into the scriptures’ gold.

Your comfort and joy will be complete,

And the promises of God you will hold.

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Dig deeply into the scriptures, dear saints,

And hear the Saviour’s voice speaking to you.

He opens His word and treasures appear,

With constant understanding made anew.

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Flipping around on the surface won’t reach

The amazing depths of God’s holy word.

It’s important that your minds be set fast.

Desire that your hearts for scripture be stirred.

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Buried treasure is mined deep in the word,

But can not be extracted without toil.

Your mining equipment must be engaged,

Applied, well used, working the soil.

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Scripture with scripture; context, the essence:

Time and study, and comparison used;

The wholeness of scripture falls into place;

Each word form and passage and book infused.

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Note the progressions and connect the links -

Phrase by phrase; word by word; tease out the points;

Cross reference ideas; check the first mention -

Your sincere efforts, the Spirit anoints.

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Be the deep eel and not the mudskipper.

And be mining treasures God’s words contain.

A little effort will reward you much,

As biblical glories you will retain.

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29 April 2025 Ronald Ferguson 10-10-10-10 ABCB

Began composing during the 2025 Easter Keswick Convention in Atherton