What’s your reaction when you hear scripture being read? You know, like when you’re in church and the pastor reads a passage before a sermon.
Or what about this: how do you respond when you read the bible? You know, in the early morning when you are doing your devotions?
Do you laugh? Cry? Get angry? Feel guilty?
None of the above?
Do you feel anything?
That’s a penetrating question. It’s a bit convicting. I read scripture a lot. Every day, first thing in the morning. I read through the entire bible once a year. I’ve read the bible cover to cover at least three dozen times. I hear scripture read every Sunday in worship services. I listen to the bible through an app on my phone. I hear verses read aloud on Christian radio.
You know what? Most of the time I don’t feel anything. Most of the time, it’s an intellectual encounter with God.
Okay, so let’s compare that with how King Josiah reacted to a scripture reading. When workmen repaired the temple and found the scrolls of God’s Word, the king’s secretary read it to him.
“When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes” (2 Kings 22:11).
In Old Testament culture, that means he felt convicted. Josiah was distraught. Devastated. He was so upset that he tore his clothes, the ultimate expression of confession and repentance before God.
So maybe I should ask a different question when I encounter God’s Word. Instead of asking, “What does this mean?” or “How should I apply this?” or “What should I do (or stop doing)?” I could ask, “How does this make me feel?” Does these verses or chapter spark joy? Or do they make me want to throw my bible across the room? Should I be dancing? Or should my eyes tear up?
My dog’s tails betray their feelings. Depending on my tone of voice, their tails might be wagging with delight or be tucked under in submission.
Josiah gets a Jesse Tree ornament because he responded to God’s promises of a Savior. He knew he needed grace. I do too.
Waite for it... 