Learning to read

One of the first things we get taught in school is how to read, from then on we must read billions of words in a variety of contexts. From road signs to FB posts. There's newspapers, books, letters, blogs payslips, to government advice and updates on corona-virus. Each one we read differently. For some we pay attention to every word. Others, we skim over and flick through quickly. What about reading the bible? How should we read it? That's what the next question in the catechism covers.

Q42. How is the Word of God to be read and heard?A. With diligence, preparation, and prayer; so that we may accept it with faith, store it in our hearts, and practice it in our lives.

I love this answer, it is one of those questions in the catechism which causes us to stop and think about something we just do, but could do so much better. It speaks into the context of public worship, and in these days reminds us how we should read the bible on our own, with our families or as we tune in online.

Here's a couple of things to note:

Reading God's word begins before you open the Bible It begins with our attitude. We need to remind ourselves that what we are reading is God's word. As we read his word, we hear him speak. This is no ordinary book, it is the breathed out word of God, inspired by his Spirit. And we have that very same Spirit, dwelling in us. So as we read, the Spirit who wrote this word, speaks directly into our lives.

That is why we don't skim, but read diligently, closely.

We don't turn our minds off, but ask - what is God saying here? What does that mean? About God? For me? And it is why we read expectantly. Prayerfully asking God to speak.

Reading God's word doesn't end when you close the Bible. As you have read, God has spoken. So you can't just close the book, then get up and on with your day or roll over and goto sleep. No - God has just spoken to you. Believe what he said. Treasure what he said. Do what he said. What you read in God's word - changes you. Every time you read a little of his word, you are changed. For better or for worse. How much it changes you depends on how you respond.

So how are you going to respond to what what you have read in God's word today?