READING THE WORD

“So Philip ran to him, and heard him READING the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are READING?”” – Acts 8:30

One of the practical pathways into the Fullness of God’s Word is READING the WORD. Many times in the Gospel stories, the Lord Jesus Christ would ask: “have you not read?” or “have you never read?” (Mt.12:3,5; 19:4; 21:16,42; Mk.12:10,26; Lk.6:3). The Ethiopian eunuch was reading the book of the prophet Isaiah, when the Spirit of God led Philip to join his chariot in order to provide understanding to what he was reading (Acts 8:28-29). Paul instructed his son in the faith, Timothy: “Till I come, give attention to READING, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1Tim.4:13). The Bible is of supreme value to our lives, and there are numerous benefits to reading God’s Word.

Architects read building plans or blueprints. Students read textbooks. Sports fans read sports magazines. Doctors read medical journals. Yet, there are multitudes in the world who claim to be Christians or Believers in Christ and hardly ever pick up a Bible and read. When we humble ourselves before Scripture, acknowledging that it has been given to us by God, we will receive the following blessings and more:

• God’s Word leads us to salvation: the way of salvation is clearly revealed by simply reading the Bible (Jh.3:16; Rom.10:9). We are saved by believing the truth of Scripture whether we read it ourselves or are taught it by someone else (1Pet.1:23).
• God’s Word is Light to guide our steps aright: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psa.119:105). When we read and heed the Lord’s instructions, He will show us where to go, what to say, and how to make decisions. His Word also reveals when we’re heading the wrong direction and warns us of the consequences.
• God’s Word directs us to Wisdom and Understanding: “The entrance of Your words give light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Psa.119:130). Scripture, like a shield, guards our way and warns of danger.
• God’s Word lifts our burden: because He is concerned about every aspect of our lives, we can run to His Word regarding every need, and in our time of trouble. His Word is sufficient to deal with sickness, loneliness, pain, and grief (Psa.119:111).
• God’s Word brings Joy. Those who love the Word find great joy and comfort in reading it: “Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart” (Psa.119:111). Facing tough times and discouragement, your first response should be to open the Scriptures and find hope and joy.
• God’s Word gives Peace: “Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble” (Psa.119:165). Peace is perhaps the most desired possession in the world, but perfect peace can only be found in the Lord (Jh.14:27)!
• God’s Word is Truth: “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your Word is truth” (Jh.17:17). Without the Bible, we would be hazy on doctrine and open to deception: “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith…” (1Tim.4:1).
• God’s Word is food and nourishment for our spirit: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Mt.4:4). “Your words were found, and I ate them…” (Jer.15:16a).
• God’s Word guarantees that we grow spiritually: “…desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” (1Pet.2:2b). Without His Word, one will be a spiritual dwarf.
• God’s Word strengthens the weak, impotent, and spiritually anaemic: “I have written to you, young men, because you’re strong, and the Word of God abides in you…” (1Jh.2:14). John Bunyan said, “This book will keep you from sin, and sin will keep you from this book”

God is committed to blessing those who cherish, respect and love His Word. It is our most valuable possession; God’s Love Letter to us. From Genesis to Revelation, He reveals His mind and heart. Everything else will pass away, “but the Word of our God stands forever” (Isa.40:8)!