True Exposition of the Word

Three particular influences come to mind, which were used of the Lord to bring the following poem to mind:

(1) Reading the commentary message by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on Romans 3:25 in which he goes into great detail to explain the difference between expiation as used in some Bible translations and propitiation used in others, quoting Dr. John Owen in the process;

(2) The sixth verse in the song by William Cowper, "God Moves in a Mysterious Way", found in Hymns of Grace and Glory, #55, by Life Line Publications; "Blind unbelief is sure to err, And scan His work in vain; God is His own interpreter, And He will make it plain."

(3) Chad Hertzel's inclusion of John 10:1-18 in the message he preached at Soaring Oaks this past Sunday.

True exposition of the Word
Is what we need to hear,
Interpretation from our God,
Of Whom we ought to fear.

Those things most needed for discourse
Unto the Lord we ask,
Dependent on the Holy Spirit,
And humbled for the task.

God Is His Own Interpreter*
Is what I've heard one say.
And Just is He Who rightly gives
His Own without delay,

A passion for His glory
And His honor above all,
Redeemed through Christ, who satisfies
The purpose of His call.

And thus for this we're drawn
Unto our Savior's bleeding side,
For though we be but sinful men,
In Christ we can confide.

Tis He Who leadeth in the pastures
Of His word to keep.
The Shepherd of the souls of men,
Whose voice they hear, His sheep.

And more abundance He doth give
To those who enter in,
By Him Who is the Door
And gave His life to pay for sin.

For Christ hath all authority
And by it He lay down
His life and took it up again
That we on holy ground

Would walk with Him in humbleness
And clearly His speech
That we may for His honor
Be enabled now to teach

Others that He calleth to Himself
Of all His flock,
Who hear His voice and follow HIM
Though other men will mock.

Oh sharpen us Oh Father
To convey Your Holy Truth.
For You are all the need of men
Who stand upon Your proof.

For only You Who formed the ear
Can open it to hear,
Amidst the deafness of this world
And bring unto Your fear.

And only You can open eyes
Once blinded by the sin
With which we entered this dark world
By natural birth within.

And only You can give a heart
Of flesh for one of stone,
Appointed by Your counsel,
And Your glory is Your Own!

And thus we fall upon our face
And worship You in spirit
And in the truth we trust in You,
Your voice that others hear it.

For now we will rejoice in Christ
Who gives eternal fruit.
The hope of all His branches
Borne by Him Who Is our Root!

Michael E. Wood
July 12, 2010