For people who are unfamiliar with the Bible, studying Holy Scripture can seem an intimidating experience. There are so many things about the people, places, and situations described in the Bible that it can seem as though one has to be an expert in biblical studies to be able to grow through Bible study. This is not so.
Let me encourage you in your study of Holy Scripture. If you seek to learn about God through the study of scripture, God will meet you in that endeavor. No matter how brilliant or simple you consider yourself, studying the word of God will vitally shape your daily walk in faith. The word of God is accessible to you, at any level of reading comprehension, historical understanding, etc.. Because, when we read Holy Scripture, we do not read it alone. As Christians, when we read the Bible we ask God to allow the Holy Spirit to inspire our reading so that the words from the text become real in our current lives and life situations.
As we read scripture, we read the Bible in community with other Christians. At home, we read and prepare notes with the thoughts we have formed about what we have read, but then we gather and share those ideas and thoughts in a way that enhances our understanding of Holy Scripture together. Additionally, we are informed by those Christians who have gone before. Faithful people through the centuries have found meaning in Holy Scripture. As we begin to explore the word of God and claim these stories and meanings for our own, we read the Bible with those that have gone before.
Reading Holy Scripture in a way that allows it to impact your daily life is an essential part of being a Christian. The letter of James calls us to both study and live out what we learn from Scripture. ...welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act -- they will be blessed in their doing. James 1:21-25, NRSV.
I encourage you to make the daily reading and study of Scripture a part or your life and faith journey. And then, to live out what you have found and learned.
This morning as I wait to travel to Israel, I'm incredibly excited about being able to walk where Jesus walked. I have been asked to lead a devotional for my group at the Mount of Beatitudes, the place where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount (read Matthew 5-8). Every time I begin reading to prepare I become overwhelmed by the beauty and authority of Jesus' sermon. To think of delivering a message in that spot where Jesus taught and spoke seems overwhelming. But then, I remember that isn't that what we as Christians are called to do in every way, every day? We walk where Jesus would walk. We speak what Jesus would speak. In a world full of hurt and broken lives we are called to walk and speak int the situations that Jesus calls us through our baptism to care about. As I journey on this pilgrimage, my prayer is that God will continue to lead me and challenge me to grow in my awareness of God.
Brad,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder of how important regular scripture reading is. I have a terrible propensity to back-slide in that area. I think it is a matter of disipline and regularity. When I do it I am blessed, so why do I fall pray to so many distractions. I was most disciplined when I met weekly with a super accountability group who kept me on the right path or gently proded me when I lost the goal. You are right--it is best as a christian community acdtivity. So often I need someone to reflect my understanding with or get their insights. Appreciate you insights Jerry