#BoldBeliefDevotional by Paul Natekin
Key Bible Verse:
“The Spirit of the LORD speaks by me; his word is on my tongue.” — 2 Samuel 23:2 (ESV)
Have you ever wondered if the Old Testament really matters as much as the New Testament? Maybe you’ve thought it feels outdated or less relevant. I get it—sometimes the stories and language can seem distant. But let’s take a moment to think about this: God spoke directly through His prophets in those ancient times, and His words are just as powerful and true today as they were back then.
Apologetic Insight:
(from Greek ἀπολογία, ‘speaking in defense’) Defending and explaining faith with reason and evidence.
As Norman Geisler often emphasized, the Bible—both Old and New Testaments—is God’s inspired Word, without error, because the Holy Spirit guided every part of its writing. In passages like Jeremiah 1:9, where God says, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth,” we see that God didn’t just give vague ideas to the prophets. He gave specific words, ensuring that what they spoke and wrote was exactly what He wanted us to hear. William Lane Craig from ReasonableFaith.org also points out that the doctrine of progressive revelation means God revealed His truth step by step, building up to the fullness of Christ in the New Testament. But that doesn’t make the Old Testament any less God’s voice—it’s a vital part of the story that leads to Jesus. The Spirit was in control, making sure no human opinion or mistake slipped in, so we can trust every word as God’s truth (Revelation 21:5).
Look at today’s verse from 2 Samuel 23:2, where David declares, “The Spirit of the LORD speaks by me; his word is on my tongue.” This isn’t just David’s opinion—it’s a bold statement that God Himself was speaking through him. That same Spirit worked through all the prophets, ensuring their words pointed to God’s plan, ultimately fulfilled in Christ. The Old Testament isn’t just history; it’s God preparing the way for our Savior.
Encouragement & Application:
If you’ve ever doubted the relevance of the Old Testament, remember that it’s part of God’s unchanging Word. It shows us His faithfulness across generations and points us to Jesus in every prophecy and story. Take some time this week to dive into a book like Isaiah or Psalms. Read slowly, asking God to show you how these ancient words connect to your life today. And if you have questions, don’t shy away from them—talk to a trusted friend, pastor, or mentor who can help you dig deeper into the truth.
Reflection Questions:
- How does knowing the Holy Spirit guided the prophets change the way you see the Old Testament?
- What’s one Old Testament story or verse that has spoken to you, and why?
- How can you make space to hear God’s voice through His Word, even in the parts that feel harder to understand?
Prayer:
Dear God, thank You for speaking to us through Your prophets long ago and for preserving Your Word so we can know You today. Help me to trust every part of Scripture, even when it feels distant or hard to grasp. Open my heart to hear Your voice in the Old Testament and see how it points to Jesus. Give me curiosity and courage to ask questions and seek Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
YouTube
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
