Reading is one of my favorite hobbies as evidenced by the fact that I usually read some 10 books at any given time. (However, I’m not sure if this is testimony to my love for reading or the fact that I am too impatient to complete one book before I start the next.) Nevertheless, I am confident that my reading style is not anomalous. I can almost guarantee that most folks follow the same reading pattern that I do - a little bit of this topic and a little bit of that one. And like most folks who enjoy reading theological works, I enjoy a wide array of topics including soteriology, Christology, ecclesiology and any other “-ology”…And with all of this theological reading taking place in my home (and in countless other homes) it brings to mind a very important question that I believe everyone should consider. If you have time to read theological treatises, technical manuals or any array of miscellaneous writings, have you also found the time to read completely through the books of the Bible? Have you had the time to read through the prophets (minor or major)? Or what about the books of Moses?
Think for a moment about the list of books you are currently reading. If asked, would the Bible be at the top of your list….would it even make the list? Sure, we can all find time to read books elucidating the differences between infralapsarianism and supralapsarianism, or the eschatological differences within the Protestant community, but have we ever taken the time to read what God has said about these issues and much more? If we have time to read the words of men, should we not also have time to read the very words of God?
The next time you find it difficult to find time to read God’s Word, perhaps it would do you well to remember the Christian faithful who lived centuries ago who endured persecution for possessing a Bible or for reading Scripture in their native tongue. The Council of Toulouse (1229), and the Council of Tarragona (1234) are just two examples of ecclesiastical abuse that forbid the laity to possess or to read the Bible in the vernacular. Countless Christian faithful have been put to death or have suffered unspeakable physical torture for doing the very thing that so many of us today take for granted. There was a time when Christians had to engage secretly in their devotion to God’s Word. But by the grace of God, we know of such abuses only through the annals of history. Let’s not take for granted what so many throughout history have suffered for, lest our privileges be taken away.
If you have a sincere desire to meditate upon Scripture but lack the patience to do so, simply ask the Lord and He promises to answer:
Trust in the LORD and do good;
Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the LORD;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him, and He will do it.
Psalm 37:3-5
If we put forth the effort, the Lord will grant us the patience and faithfulness to do what we know we ought to do. So the next time someone raises an objection or asks the reason for the hope that is in you, you should be equipped to answer with certainty because you will know what God’s Word says - with a little effort. So go find your Bible, dust off the cover and diligently meditate upon His words….and I’ll do the same.
