One day, I was using my phone to follow a recipe to make biscuits. At some point while I was engaged, my children took my phone. I told them to bring my phone back, but they either didn’t hear me or ignored me. I decided to proceed with making the biscuits without the recipe, because I had made them quite a few times. To my surprise, I was able to complete the rest of the recipe from memory.
Engaging with the Bible can be like my experience with the biscuit recipe. The more we hear it, read it, study it, meditate on it, and memorize it, the easier God’s word will come to us when we need it. Before Jesus died, he told his disciples that Holy Spirit would teach them and remind them of His words.
All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
John 14:25-26 (ESV)
Why do we need to expose ourselves to God’s word and be reminded of God’s word?
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them is great reward.
Psalm 19:7-11 (ESV)
There are many benefits to engaging with God’s word, but the ultimate one is to love and obey God. John made clear the purpose of the book that he wrote.
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
John 20:30-31 (ESV)
The whole point of the Bible is to point us to Jesus, who is the way to knowing, loving, and obeying God.
Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6 (ESV)
The Holy Spirit uses the Bible to remind us of what is true about God. His word is to be treasured above gold, and it’s sweeter than honey. So why not take the time to put more of God’s word in us?
God, forgive me for not treasuring the Bible as I should and ultimately not treasuring You as I should. Help me to truly desire Your word. Thank you for sending Holy Spirit to teach me and remind me of Your word.