One of the best and favorite purchases I have made in the past five years (decades?) is a pellet smoker. It has transformed our family’s eating habits.
I had wanted a smoker for several years, but purchased it a little reluctantly; we bought it used from Facebook Marketplace, and when we went to use it the first time discovered that a part was broken on it, making it (temporarily) inoperable. A $25 replacement part that arrived two days later fixed the problem and we have been smoking ever since.
We have smoked a variety of meat — ribs, brisket, hamburgers, hotdogs, steaks, chicken (whole and pieces), salmon, whole turkey, and more — vegetables, fruit, and even desserts. Once we discovered the versatility of the smoker and its ability to transform virtually every kind of food into something delectable, we began smoking regularly.
Ironically, the person from whom we purchased the smoker used it very little; it seemed complicated and she didn’t perceive the benefit.
Many don’t use their Bibles for similar reasons: the message seems obscure or too daunting to comprehend and even more, for many it seems that the Bible is just irrelevant — it is a set of stories and polemics that were written too long ago to connect to our age.
Yet the Bible consistently affirms its relevance. Yes, it was written over a period of more than a thousand years, with the last writer putting down his pen over 1900 years ago. What can the book tell us that will help us?
Over a period of about a dozen years, I preached through Psalm 119 (one to two sermons each year on successive stanzas). In that one psalm alone, the writer articulates over 30 works of the Word of God.
In a similar manner, in Psalm 19, David explains six attributes of the Word of God:
- It is perfect and flawless in everything it says. It is not superfluous or silly, but is essential.
- It is sure, a true foundation that is unmovable and good for building one’s life.
- It is right, clear, proper, and appropriate in everything it demands.
- It is pure in its morality; it is not confusing and puzzling and will never lead one astray from what is moral and true. It never will deceive its reader.
- It is clean and undefiled; it is healthy and wholesome.
- And it is true. It never lies and never deceives.
And these attributes contribute great benefit to the reader:
- It restores the soul, providing refreshment and transformation to the practitioner. It is a wise guide for life.
- It makes wise those who are unequipped and untaught. They may be “simple-minded” today (meaning they just don’t know what to do because of lack of instruction), but through diligent attention to the Word, they will be made wise and trained for leadership.
- It brings joy to the heart as one obeys and does what is right. When one obeys, there will be “losses” (like “losing out” on the passing pleasures of sin, and making sacrifices), but all those losses will pale in comparison to the joy that results from obedience.
- It enlightens the eyes, giving direction in a darkened and difficult world.
- It is permanent, lasting forever, which means it is good for life both in this world and in the eternal world in Heaven.
- And it leads one to righteousness and righteous living — it is the only guide one needs for living life.
While the psalmist doesn’t answer this question explicitly, what does he expect his reader to do with this Word? The implication is that the reader will read it, meditate on it, memorize it, listen to it, sing it, and do it (obey it). He will enrich his soul on this abundant Word that has so many benefits to it.
As we head into another new year, and many are thinking about priorities for the year, we do well to make the intake of Scripture a priority. I am not advocating for a particular reading plan (though many good reading guides exist, including these on our website). I am not advocating for a certain amount of time reading each day/week. I am not advocating for memorizing a certain number of verses each week/month or listening to a certain number of sermons each week. All those can become superficial practices which don’t effect the changes that the Word is designed to bring.
Instead, because the Word of God is what the Word of God is, I am advocating using it the way God intended on a habitual (regular) basis — reading, soaking in, meditating on, and then acting on what the Word of God calls us to do. Just like my smoker is designed to transform food into a delectable edible, so the Word of God is designed to change our lives (what we do) and our hearts (what we think and desire). So when you regularly take in that Word this year, always ask, “what can/will I do because of what I have just read and heard from this God-exalting Word?”
And then watch and see what this living Word will do to change you and make your life a joy to the Lord and to you.
Words of Grace 