WFTD: “For” (So, what’s the “for” for?)

Word-to-Grow-By (WTGB) is taking a break from the normal long-form Bible study format and will now, for a brief time, go to a shorter, word-focused format I call WFTD (Word for the Day). Think of it as “TikTok” for your Bible devotional—short, sweet and simple (but no less trustworthy to the text). The target is to get you in and out the door with an encouraging word on your lips for whatever the day brings.

The word for the day (WFTD) is “for”.  So, what’s the “for” for? In Hebrew, one of the many words for “for” is ma ’an (pronounced mah-ahn). It’s a preposition or conjunction. It means "in order that, because of, for the purpose of."

Here is an example from Isaiah 37:35:

“I will defend this city and rescue it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David.”


EXPOSITION: “for”—one small word with a powerful meaning. It’s used to denote purpose. God has a purpose in everything He says and does. In this case: to defeat Assyria and kill its king is to make a point: “I’m running things” so I will uphold my reputation as the only true God who keeps His promises.

BACKSTORY: Assyria, the bully nation, is talking trash to God's people, Judah, and to Hezekiah, their king. “Your God will not save you. He’s too small, untrustworthy.” So, God has decided to defend His reputation and leave no doubt of His capability to keep his covenant promise to send a “Forever King", a Messiah, through the line of King David.

APPLICATION: Seek your purpose in God’s purpose. Don’t do stuff to be doing stuff. Find “the why.” Ask yourself: (1) Will my purpose today glorify God (His reputation)? and (2) Will my purpose, my "doings” represent Christ, the Promised One, and His purpose?

The next step in your Bible devotional growth through WFTD is to do your own Exposition, Backstory and Application. Ask yourself from your Bible reading: (1) What does it mean? That is exposition. (2) Next, what is the historical context of the reading. What was going on when the text was written? That’s backstory. (3) Finally, what am I to do from the “meaning” of what I have read? That is application. Jot down your answers, one short sentence for each. Keep it in a journal. Don’t worry about getting it right. The Holy Spirit will guide you. For now, it is the habit of “doing” that matters, that will promote bible study growth. Because Scripture is “God breathed” inspiration, begin each devotion with prayer for His Holy Spirit's assistance in your Bible study.

Trust the process. Remember: Feed a man a fish, he eats for that day. Teach a man how to fish and he eats every day. That's what WFTD is for.