“Let the Word of Christ dwell in your richly. . .”
Colossians 3:16a
What you “chew the cud on” determines if you’re full or running-on-empty.
God’s Word.
What is that Book you hold in your hand or have lying there beside you on the table as you read these words? Hopefully, it’s the Bible. . .God’s Holy, inspired Word. . .whose pages are worn and tear-stained. . .and whose Promises are your life-long companions.
No one knew the Old Testament better than Paul. From childhood, he’d “studied to show himself approved unto God” (II Tim. 2:15) by learning everything he could about the Law, the psalms and the prophets. He’d studied the Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. He could quote Scriptures with the best of them. He’d sat under the teaching of Gamaliel, the most renown Jewish teacher of the Law in his day.
But, it wasn’t until he encountered Jesus, the “Living Word” (Jn. 1:14), that he realized the importance of “incarnating” God’s Word, not just memorizing it.
Simply put, God’s Promises weren’t meant to be recited; they’re meant to be experienced. His truths are not for theological debate or dissertation; they’re for “dwelling in us richly.” Paul knew that no one can honestly say “The Lord is my Shepherd” (Ps. 23:1) until we’re one of His Sheep (Jn. 10:7-14, 25-30).
Only then will our “delight be in the Law of the Lord and in His Law will we meditate day and night” (Ps. 1:2). Only then will we “hide His Word in our hearts so we won’t sin against Him” (Ps. 119:11). And, only then will His Word be “more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb” (Ps. 19:10). Only then.
Oh, dear Pilgrim, it’s through the pages of God’s Word that we hear God’s Voice and come to know His Heart. By meditating upon His Word we learn His Will for our lives. And, by moving from the “milk to the meat of God’s Word, we become skillful in His Word of Righteousness and able to discern both good and evil in this world” (Heb. 5:11-14).
That’s why Jesus said “The wise man is one who built his house upon the Rock, which can only happen when we hear AND do what He has said” (Mt. 7:21-24). Biblical ignorance and illiteracy are rooted in laziness and indicative of a lack of love for the Savior (Jn. 14:15; 15:10). Only by daily “dwelling richly” in God’s Word will we experience His Joy “that remains and overflows” (Jn. 15:11).
So, how goes it, Pilgrim?
How well do you know God’s Word? Are you always “ready to give an answer to anyone who asks you of the Hope that rests within you with meekness and fear” (I Pet. 3:15)? Or, do you stammer and stutter around when talking about the things of God, simply because you’ve not spent time with Him? Let today be the day you begin “seeking those things which are Above” and “setting your affections on things Above, not things on the earth” (Col. 3:1-2). Your life will be richer. Your journey will be sweeter. And, the Lord’s Presence will seem nearer.
October 25, 2011
