I.O.U.S.
"And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself." Luke 24:27 (NIV)
Last night we finished our ten-week Lessons in Luke: Jesus, Savior of the World Bible study. The last session is usually my favorite, not because our time together is over, but because the women bring their Top Takeaways from the study. We storyboard all of the takeaways on a large white board and then send them out to everyone. It's always interesting to see how many different insights people glean from our time together. I'll be sharing some of those over the next few Bits, but one of my favorites is found in Luke 24.
Author and veteran pastor John Piper recommends an IOUS acronym as a helpful prayer tool before beginning our devotional time or Bible study. IOUS stands for:
Incline my heart to you. (Psalm 119:36)
Open my eyes to behold wonderful things in your word (Psalm 119:18)
Unite my heart to fear your name. (Psalm 86:11)
Satisfy me with your steadfast love. (Psalm 90:14)
I've found Piper's acronym to be a helpful reminder to pray before I dig into studying God's Word. In actually using the IOUS acronym, I've adapted the last two requests and verses so that I'm praying as follows:
Incline my heart to you (Psalm 119:36)
Open my eyes to behold wonderful things in your word (Psalm 119:18)
Understanding..Give me understanding according to your word. (Psalm 119:69)
Sanctify me by the truth; your word is truth. (John 17:17)
Luke 24:13-35 records an encounter that is unique to the Gospel of Luke. We know it as the "Road to Emmaus." Two downcast disciples are traveling from Jerusalem to Emmaus following Jesus' crucifixion and death. Suddenly they are joined by Jesus, but fail to recognize him. When Jesus questions them about the events they are discussing, Cleopas incredulously asks Jesus, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?" The irony, of course, is that Jesus was the ONLY one who actually understood what had just happened in Jerusalem!
And so on Resurrection Day, the greatest day in the history of the world, Jesus spends his post Resurrection time leading two disciples in a Bible study. Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, Jesus explained to them what was said in all Scriptures concerning himself. Jesus is the:
Seed in Genesis
Deliverer in Exodus
True manna in Numbers
Mercy seat in Leviticus
Living water in Deuteronomy
Commander in Joshua
Rock/fortress in Psalms
Good Shepherd in Ezekiel
Faithful husband in Hosea
Warrior in every battle
Celebration in every feast
Atonement behind every sacrifice
Priest behind every priest
Prophet behind every prophet
King behind every king
The Bible study's result?
Their hearts burned when He met them in His Word. (Luke 24:32)
Their eyes were opened and they recognized him (Luke 24:31)
Their minds were opened so they could understand the Scriptures. (Luke 24:45)
They were satisfied and sanctified by the truth of God's Word.
"Our hearts don't burn when we meet Jesus on the road; our hearts burn when we meet him in his Word." Paige Benton Brown
Perhaps you struggle like me with your prayer and/or Bible study time. Why not try using the IOUS acronym as a tool to jump start your prayer and devotional time? Charles Spurgeon once wisely observed, "Short prayers are long enough!"
Incline my heart; open my eyes; give me understanding; satisfy and sanctify me in your truth. Oh that God would grant us burning hearts, open eyes, understanding minds, and sanctified lives.