During a conversation with a pastor recently, he told me about his new way of thinking about life:
Enjoy the word,
live the word,
preach the word.
I was talking about this with a couple of fellow disciples, one of them suggested this text:
“Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16 ESV
One of these brothers, the younger of the two, asked, “But how can I enjoy the word?”
What a great question!
I think SO MANY people would like to enjoy the word more. Indeed, all of us go through times where we might read from duty rather than from enjoyment.
So, I was on the spot.
I finished my soup and tried to think out loud to provide an answer. We talked a bit about it and I honed the answer a bit trying to be clear.
To enjoy the Bible requires a familiarity with the Bible. To enjoy the Bible I must have experiences with it that make it like an old friend. I know him and he knows me. I am glad to spend time with this old friend. Not only is it important to have new experiences, but it is fun to remember old times.
I enjoy reading Scripture because it is sets my heart and mind on God and helps me to be reminded how to live.
Then, having enjoyed and lived, it is so much more fun to preach!
Not familiar yet? That’s okay, just keep spending time in it. As we get to know it better, as our familiarity develops, we will enjoy it more and more.
kingdom travelin' 