John 1:14, NIV
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
How can we approach the Bible without feeling obligated or intimidated?
The Gospel of John begins with a description of Jesus as 'the Word'. John connects the Word of God to the Person of God; he connects what God says to who God is.
The Written Word, the Bible, is more than a collection of stories and rules. The Bible is how God makes Himself known to us.
The Living Word, Jesus, is also God making Himself known to us, but not through a book we have to read–He comes as a friend who wants to talk to us. Jesus, the Living Word, shows us who God is, not through words on a page, but as a loving friend who comes to meet us face to face.
When you read the Bible, don't think of it as reading a book; think of it as being with a friend, Jesus. You come because you need Him. You need a wise counselor, you need a knowledgeable guide, and you need a trustworthy companion. And most of all, you need a savior.
As you come to Him, He comes to you. He comes because He wants to be your counselor, your guide, and your companion. And most of all, He wants to be your savior. He comes to you because He loves you.
The Written Word, the Bible, is the place we come to be with the Living Word, Jesus.
Think about it...
Does it really matter if you read the Bible?
Does it really matter why you read the Bible?
Take a moment to be with God.
Ask God to help you read the Bible with open eyes and ears. Don't focus on how many chapters or verses you read, focus on what God is saying to you.
Use this prayer from 1 Samuel 3:10b to help focus you:
“Speak, for your servant is listening.”
